Thousands of people across the UK will soon have access to support aimed at getting them back into work, thanks to an £80 million funding boost from the government. This funding expands the Inactivity Trailblazer programme, which focuses on helping people facing barriers such as poor mental health, low skills, or social isolation.
What Is the Trailblazer Programme?
The Inactivity Trailblazer programme is designed to tackle the root causes of economic inactivity, rather than just providing temporary employment solutions. Local areas can offer tailored support, including:
- Mental health support and wellbeing services
- Peer support groups to build confidence and reduce social isolation
- Skills and work readiness training, including CV preparation and interview coaching
- Employer engagement to improve hiring practices
- Digital self-referral platforms to connect people with local services
The programme addresses the link between poor mental health and unemployment, providing holistic support that combines health, skills, and job readiness.
Who Will Benefit from the Funding?
This funding is aimed at people facing complex barriers to work, including those who have been previously underserved by traditional employment programmes.
For example, Aaron, a young autistic individual, benefited from the trailblazer programme by joining a safe, interest-based social group, improving his confidence, learning job readiness skills, and connecting with potential employers.
The funding covers nine key areas in England and Wales, including:
- York and North Yorkshire
- South Yorkshire
- West Yorkshire
- North East
- Greater Manchester
- Wales
- Greater London (three trailblazers)
Each area receives £10 million, with London receiving £20 million to run three programmes.
When Will People Get Support?
The extended funding runs for a second year, with pilot programmes already showing early success in Denbighshire and Blaenau Gwent. People in eligible areas can start accessing support immediately through local providers, including community link workers and online self-referral platforms.
This initiative comes as the UK faces 9.1 million economically inactive people and builds on other youth employment programmes, including the £25 million Youth Hubs boost and £45 million Youth Guarantee extension.
What Leaders Are Saying
- Pat McFadden, Work and Pensions Secretary: “We’re putting local leaders in charge so support reaches the people who need it most. This approach gives people the confidence and skills to thrive.”
- Jo Stevens, Secretary of State for Wales: “Work benefits people, giving financial independence and improving wellbeing. This funding unlocks more opportunities across Wales.”
- Oliver Coppard, South Yorkshire Mayor: “This funding is helping thousands into good, secure jobs, putting people and employers at the heart of everything we do.”
- Tracy Brabin, West Yorkshire Mayor: “The support helps people rebuild confidence, take the next step toward work, and contribute to a stronger economy.”
Why This Funding Matters
The Trailblazer programme is part of the government’s Plan for Change, aiming to reduce economic inactivity, improve living standards, and unlock opportunity. By combining employment support, mental health services, and skills training, the programme ensures that everyone has a chance to return to meaningful work and build a better future.
This £80 million investment in employment support is a key step toward helping people overcome barriers to work, improving wellbeing, and strengthening local communities across the UK.
