Return-to-work schemes could save UK £20bn and help 220,000 back to work

Government return-to-work programmes could save the UK over £20bn and help more than 220,000 people re-enter the workforce, according to new research.

The study was carried out by the universities of Manchester, Newcastle and Glasgow, and highlights the potential impact of the Getting Britain Working initiative.

What is the ‘Getting Britain Working’ scheme?

Getting Britain Working is a government programme designed to boost employment, particularly by addressing long-term unemployment and health-related worklessness.

The scheme includes:

• reforming benefits
• improving job support services
• building local employment partnerships
• introducing a Youth Guarantee, ensuring every young person is in education, training, or work

How could this save £20bn?

If just 5% of people on universal credit returned to work by 2029, the government could save more than £20bn.

Here’s how the estimated savings break down:

• getting 5% of unemployed under-25s back into work would save £903m
• 5% of under-25s not in work due to sickness or disability returning to work would save £631m
• getting 5% of unemployed over-25s back into work would save £6.67bn
• 5% of over-25s workless due to sickness or disability going into work would save £11.9bn

In September, the chancellor Rachel Reeves confirmed that every young person who has been out of work or education for 18 months will be offered paid work.

The support will be available to young people on universal credit and taking part will be mandatory.

Those who refuse a job offer could face sanctions, including cuts to their benefits.

Need help now? Support is already available

If you’re aged 16 to 24 and not in education, employment or training, support is already available.

Local councils, schools and colleges

Your local council or school can help you get back on track. They offer one-to-one support to understand your situation and guide your next steps.

They can help you with:

• career advice and goal setting
• exploring training or education options
• learning new skills
• job and apprenticeship searches
• CV writing, applications and interview prep
• mental health and wellbeing support
• help with speech and language needs
• advice on benefits and financial support

You can find your local council on the government website.

National Careers Service

The National Careers Service offers advice to people of all ages, whether you're starting out or changing careers.

They can help you:

• explore career paths or courses
• find training near you
• talk to an adviser online or by phone

Visit their website or call for support.

Youth organisations and charities

Charities like The King’s Trust run programmes to help young people build confidence and develop job-ready skills.

These programmes may include:

• team-building and personal development
• work placements
• CV and interview help
• one-on-one mentoring

Thinking about going back to education as an adult?

If you’re over 19 and thinking about giving education another go, to change careers, learn something new, or just for personal growth, there’s plenty of free support available.

• Free courses for jobs – training that can lead straight to work in in-demand industries.
• Skills bootcamps – short, intensive courses in areas like digital skills, construction, or green energy.
• Multiply – free maths courses if you didn’t get a GCSE grade C/4 or above.
• Essential skills – courses in English, numeracy and digital skills – classroom or online, full-time or part-time.

Read more about the educational opportunities and financial support for mature students in our guide.

Even if you're unsure of your next step, just reaching out can open doors you didn’t know were there.