Next week, Cabinet members will discuss plans to deliver new support for people who would like to work but aren’t currently looking for a job. 

In November 2024, Pathways to Work was selected as a trailblazer initiative in the UK Government’s Get Britain Working White Paper. The proposals set out the council’s strategy to enhance access for Barnsley's economically inactive residents to high-quality, sustainable employment. This approach is guided by the findings of the Barnsley-led Pathways to Work Commission.  

If approved at Cabinet, a partnership agreement will be formed between Barnsley Council and the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA). This would provide £1.705 million in funding to accelerate the rollout of better Pathways to Work until April 2026. This partnership would also include access to a £2 million Connect to Work grant for three years.  

The delivery plans aim to support 10,000 South Yorkshire residents into work over the next four years. This approach will deliver personalised support to 2,200 people in Barnsley, so they can overcome barriers that prevent them from working, while improving their skills and employability. 

Cllr Robin Franklin, Cabinet Spokesperson for Regeneration and Culture, said: “We’re committed to developing an inclusive and thriving economy in Barnsley that benefits everyone. By creating better Pathways to Work and offering personalized support, more people will be able to benefit from good employment in the borough. 

I welcome the proposals to provide tailored support, so that people can find options that will suit their needs and circumstances. The innovative approach to Pathways to Work has enabled opportunities for new government funding, that will support young people and adults who require flexible approaches to benefit from the possibilities in Barnsley.” 

Find out more at barnsley.gov.uk/News/PathwaysToWork. 

To access support, please fill in the online form on our website at barnsley.gov.uk/SkillsAndEmployability or call 01226 775270.