A pioneering approach to tackling economic inactivity, developed through Barnsley’s Pathways to Work Commission, which aims to get 10,000 South Yorkshire residents back into work over the next four years is set to receive Government funding.

Unveiling the Government’s Get Britain Working White Paper, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Liz Kendall MP, confirmed up to £10million of funding for a trailblazer programme that will be led by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA), focused on improving the support available to people who are economically inactive, helping them return to work.

This achievement is thanks to our innovative approach here in Barnsley and the collaboration with the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority and the three other councils in the region.

What does this mean for Barnsley?

We’re determined to level the playing field so everyone can benefit from work in our borough. This announcement is a real win for residents and businesses in Barnsley and South Yorkshire.

The unemployment rate in Barnsley is lower than the national average at 2.9%. These are the people actively looking for work. Separate to this there is a larger group who are not looking for work, due to disability, poor health, or caring responsibilities.

Despite our unemployment levels being lower than national averages in Barnsley, around 42,300 people are currently out of work and not looking for work.

In July 2023, we launched our Pathways to Work Commission to explore the challenges that people face.

Under the guidance of Rt Hon Alan Milburn, former cabinet minister and social mobility champion, we brought together leading labour market, skills and health experts to contribute their insights.

Research from 750 South Yorkshire residents showed that of those people who weren’t working or looking for work, seven in ten people would like to work if it aligned with their skills, interests and circumstances. 40% said that they would do so 'now' or 'in the near future'.

Our in-depth interviews and focus groups with Barnsley residents highlighted a problem. Despite so many people saying that they would like to work, there are clear barriers that prevent them from being able to do so.

How will we support more people?

With investment and support from the Government, we’re developing the regional pilot to change the way our support services operate.

Our new approach will enable people that would like support, to better understand what their options are and access what’s right for them. This will include health, wellbeing, skills and employability support.

We also have plans to work with employers and secure their commitment to take on people who have been out of the labour market long-term. We’ll work with them to develop opportunities that better cater for our residents’ diverse circumstances, enabling more people to benefit from good work opportunities locally.

Our preventative approach will help more people that are at risk of falling out of work to stay in employment, it will also help young people to get the best start in working life.

Cllr Sir Steve Houghton CBE, Leader of Barnsley Council, said: "I’m delighted that the work of the Pathways to Work Commission has been recognised by the Government. This wouldn’t have been possible without the expertise of the commissioners and Barnsley Council officers that developed this trailblazing approach.

“The residents that took part in our research played a vital role in shaping solutions that work for people that face very difficult challenges that have excluded them from the benefits of good work.

“This approach sets out to change that, so that everyone can benefit from happy, healthy and productive lives right here in Barnsley – the place of possibilities.”

If you live in Barnsley and you’re interested in support to explore what’s possible to develop your skills and employability, get in touch at barnsley.gov.uk/SkillsAndEmployablity. You can learn more about the Barnsley’s Pathways to Work Commission at barnsley.gov.uk/PathwaysToWork.