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Tag: Press Release

  • PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer call with President Macron of France [April 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer call with President Macron of France [April 2025]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 5 April 2025.

    The Prime Minister spoke with President Macron following this week’s announcement that the US will impose additional tariffs.

    They agreed that a trade war was in nobody’s interests, but nothing should be off the table and that it was important to keep business updated on developments.

    The Prime Minister and President also shared their concerns about the global economic and security impact, particularly in South East Asia.

    Following discussions between military planners in Ukraine this week, they discussed the good progress that has been made on the Coalition of the Willing.

    The Prime Minister and President agreed to stay in close contact over the coming weeks.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Coalition of the Willing Military Chiefs in Ukraine ahead of crucial meetings next week [April 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Coalition of the Willing Military Chiefs in Ukraine ahead of crucial meetings next week [April 2025]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 5 April 2025.

    As part of the UK’s leading efforts to build a Coalition of the Willing to secure a lasting peace in Ukraine, the Chief of the Defence Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin met with Ukrainian and French counterparts in Kyiv.

    • UK continues to lead international efforts to secure a lasting peace in Ukraine.
    • Defence chiefs meet in Kyiv to coordinate military planning of multinational force to deter future Russian aggression.
    • Visit comes as Defence Secretary John Healey prepares to host meetings of defence ministers in Brussels.

    As part of the UK’s leading efforts to build a Coalition of the Willing to secure a lasting peace in Ukraine, the Chief of the Defence Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin met with Ukrainian and French counterparts in Kyiv.

    The meetings focused on how to build on Ukraine’s current capabilities to put the country in the strongest possible position for the future.

    The Defence Chiefs addressed the structure, size and composition required of any future reassurance force in Ukraine. With 30 countries expected to contribute to the Coalition, the UK’s leadership has been critical in pulling together partners and allies around the world.

    Discussions will continue this coming week as the Defence Secretary hosts the next meeting of Coalition of the Willing defence ministers in Brussels with his French counterpart on Thursday and chairs the Ukraine Defence Contact Group with his German counterpart on Friday.

    The UK and France will convene defence ministers from coalition nations to discuss the next stages of planning to support the security arrangements which will be needed to prevent any further Russian aggression. Discussions will build on the military planning that has taken place over the last few weeks with nations looking at contributing their own capabilities to support any future force.

    Meanwhile, the Ukraine Defence Contact Group will bring together around 50 nations to drive forward additional military support for Ukraine in the face of ongoing Russian attacks. The UK convened and chaired the UDCG for the first time in February, with 46 nations in attendance, raising extra 1.5billon Euros in military aid for Ukraine.

    Defence Secretary John Healey MP said:

    Our coalition of nations, working at pace and willing to stand with Ukraine for the long-term, is a stark contrast to Russia who stand alone with only North Korea for a friend.

    As Putin prevaricates over a ceasefire, we will continue to ramp up our military planning, exploring the air, sea and land forces that could support a lasting peace in Ukraine.

    However, we will not jeopardise the peace by forgetting about the war. That’s why in the week ahead we will also convene the Ukraine Defence Contact Group to supply Ukraine with the military equipment they need to put them in the strongest possible position as they fight back brutal continuing Russian attacks.

    The Chief of the Defence Staff’s visit follows a series of high-level engagements hosted in both Paris and London in the past month, with the Prime Minister travelling to Paris and hosting leaders in London and the Defence Secretary conducting simultaneous visits to France as well as joining an operational planning meeting alongside the Prime Minister at the UK’s Permanent Joint Headquarters (PJHQ).

    Chief of the Defence Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin said:

    The UK is ironclad in our support for Ukraine, which is why we’re stepping up for a just and lasting peace.

    Our meetings looked at how we can build on the formidable capabilities of the Ukrainian Army and put them in the strongest possible position to deter Russian aggression.

    I am encouraged by the strength of unity we’ve seen between our European and international allies.

    This work delivers on the Prime Minister’s four-point plan to support Ukraine by ramping up delivery of weapons and equipment, boosting Ukraine’s defensive capabilities in the long term, working with allies to develop robust security assurances, and keeping up pressure on Putin.

    The UK is fully committed to working with allies to step up support to ensure Ukraine remains in the strongest possible position, which is why £4.5 billion of military support will be provided this year – more than ever before.

    The Defence Secretary has been clear that supporting Ukraine is vital to the security of stability of Europe, which is essential to the UK economy. The UK’s national security is a foundation for the government’s Plan for Change.

    Last month, the Prime Minister announced a historic £1.6bn deal to provide more than five thousand air defence missiles for Ukraine in a boost for UK jobs and growth. The Chancellor also announced a £2.26 billion loan to bolster Ukrainian defence capabilities from frozen Russian assets.

    The MOD has sent around 400 different capabilities to Ukraine, with a new £150 million package including drones, tanks and air defence systems announced on 12 February 2025, a £225 million package including drones, boats and munitions announced on 19 December 2024, and 650 lightweight multirole missiles announced on 6 September 2024.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Neonatal care leave and pay right for thousands of new parents [April 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Neonatal care leave and pay right for thousands of new parents [April 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 5 April 2025.

    New entitlement will give thousands of eligible new parents each year with children in neonatal care a right to additional leave and pay.

    • New right to neonatal care leave and pay enters into force this weekend.
    • Parents of babies in neonatal care are entitled to an additional 12 weeks of leave and pay if eligible, on top of parental leave, as of tomorrow (6 April)
    • The Government is supporting working families and protecting working people’s payslips, delivering on our Plan for Change.

    Thousands of new parents each year will gain a day one right to leave and pay, if eligible, if they have a child in neonatal care as of tomorrow [Sunday 6 April].

    Our Plan for Change relies on families having security in work. By protecting payslips and providing them with the support at work they need through these measures, we’re putting more money into the pockets of working people, delivering national renewal and growing the economy.

    These measures will change the dial from where it is now, where working families have been faced with the challenge of going to work whilst their newborn baby is sick in neonatal care.

    They will allow eligible parents to take up to 12 weeks of leave (and, if eligible, pay) on top of any other leave they may be entitled to, including maternity and paternity leave.

    In a meeting between Justin Madders, the Employment Rights Minister, and campaigners from the charities The Smallest Things, Bliss and Working Families,

    Employment Rights Minister Justin Madders said:

    The campaigners and parents who have had to experience their children in neonatal care are an inspiration to us all and show just how much this new leave and pay entitlement is needed for families up and down the UK.

    We know that many employers already go above and beyond the statutory minimum, which is why as part of our Plan for Change we’re creating a level playing field that ensures parents, wherever they work, have the vital relief they need to switch off from work and focus on their newborn baby.

    Women’s Health Minister Baroness Merron said:

    No parent should have to choose between being with their vulnerable newborn or returning to work. Our action today will make all the difference to families going through an incredibly stressful time.

    We are giving parents peace of mind so they can focus on their family. At the same time, we are reforming the NHS and maternity and neonatal services to ensure that everyone receives the personalised, compassionate care that they deserve.

    The new Neonatal Care Leave will apply to parents of babies who are admitted into neonatal care up to 28 days old and who have a continuous stay in neonatal care of 7 full days or longer.

    These measures will aim to relieve some of the pressure on working families, providing the support families need to allow them to be by their child’s side without having to work throughout or use up their existing leave.

    The Government’s Employment Rights Bill, which is currently making its way through Parliament, was introduced to upgrade workers’ rights across the UK, tackle poor working conditions and benefit businesses and workers alike. This includes bringing forward employment reforms, such as establishing day one rights for paternity, parental and bereavement leave for millions of workers.

    Other measures being introduced by this Government include support for employers through the menopause and strengthened protections against unfair dismissal for pregnant women and new mothers.

    Catriona Ogilvy, founder of parent-led charity The Smallest Things said:

    The Smallest Things is thrilled that Neonatal Care Leave and Pay will finally be available to families from tomorrow (6 April).

    This new law is the result of a decade of tireless campaigning by those who truly understand – neonatal parents themselves.

    They know the journey doesn’t end when babies come home from hospital. Neonatal Leave will give families back stolen time. Time to be with their baby without the worry of work or pay. Time to bond. And time to begin to recover – both physically and mentally.

    Neonatal parents and carers needed more time. From tomorrow, they’ll get it.

    Bliss Chief Executive Caroline Lee-Davey said:

    At Bliss we know just how important it is that babies born premature or sick have both parents at their side in neonatal care during their challenging first weeks and months of life, playing a hands-on role in their care.

    That is why Bliss is so proud to have led campaigning for the introduction of the Neonatal Care (Leave & Pay) Act, which will provide thousands of employed parents every year with the assurance that they can take the time to be with their sick baby when they need it most.

    We now look forward to working with the Government and employers to ensure that all parents who are eligible know about this new entitlement, as well as the wider information and support that they can access from Bliss throughout their neonatal journey.

    Jane van Zyl, Chief Executive, Working Families said:

    We are delighted to see the introduction of this new entitlement after having worked with policymakers on its development.

    Having additional leave and pay will mean parents can be by their baby’s side when they need them most. By giving families some breathing space and the ability to manage childcare for older siblings, this policy will help relieve some of the financial and emotional strain families are under.

    We hope employers will build on this support by developing enhanced neonatal polices, as many compassionate employers have already, and consider flexible working, a little of which can go a long way in supporting families.

    Nisha Marwaha, Director of DE&I at Virgin Media O2 said:

    Introducing paid neonatal care leave as a day one right is a lifeline for parents whose babies require medical care shortly after birth.

    At Virgin Media O2, we’re proud to have been one of the first UK businesses to introduce paid neonatal leave more than two years ahead of it becoming a legal requirement. We’ve seen first-hand the difference it has made to our employees, allowing them to focus on caring for their sick baby and take time away from work with our full support.

    That’s why we welcome the introduction of the legislation that will benefit around 60,000 new parents each year so they can be there for their loved ones when it counts, without having to worry about work.

    Liz Jeffery, Vice President for People Experience at Sony Music, said:

    When a baby is born prematurely or requires neonatal care after birth, it can be a very difficult time for parents.

    Since 2018, Sony Music staff have been entitled to full pay during the period in which a baby is born before full term or spends time in neonatal care, ensuring they are financially supported until parental leave begins.

    This policy has been a huge benefit for our employees over the past seven years and we are pleased to see that the law is changing to support other families going through these experiences.”

    Jackie Henry, managing partner for people and purpose at Deloitte UK, said:

    Family-friendly policies can have a profound impact in supporting people in the modern workplace.

    That’s why at Deloitte UK, we provide 12 weeks’ paid neonatal care leave as part a wider package of policies and benefits, including six months’ paid family leave, and paid time off for caring responsibilities and fertility treatment.

    Families come in all shapes and sizes, so policies like these allow our people to focus on what matters during some of the most important moments of their lives.

  • PRESS RELEASE : England’s non-woodland trees freely mapped for first time [April 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : England’s non-woodland trees freely mapped for first time [April 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 5 April 2025.

    England’s trees outside woodlands have been mapped by satellite and laser are freely available for first time revealing they make up 30% of nation’s tree cover.

    • Some of the most iconic trees in our landscape highlighted in unique survey.
    • Mapping will help to accurately identify locations of nature depletion and allow for more targeted tree planting

    England’s non-woodland trees have been mapped for first time, revealing these trees make up nearly third of our nation’s tree cover.

    Using one of the very latest methods of laser detection and satellite imagery, the country’s top tree scientists at the UK Government’s Forest Research agency built a comprehensive picture of non-woodland trees across England.

    The innovative map goes live today (Saturday 5 April).

    By providing a better national picture, the groundbreaking map will allow conservation groups and local authorities to target tree planting efforts more accurately. The map can pinpoint lone trees that could be connected to nearby wooded areas to create better habitat for wildlife in support of the Government’s manifesto commitment to expand nature-rich habitats and help achieve our legal target to increase England’s woodland canopy to 16.5%.

    Forestry Minister Mary Creagh said:

    Our precious street trees improve air quality, mark the changing seasons and provide us with peace, shade and joy. Their value simply cannot be overstated.

    “This groundbreaking new tree census will not only help us better understand our current tree canopy cover, but allow us to identify areas where we can create more nature rich habitats for wildlife and people to enjoy as part of our Plan for Change”

    Sir William Worsley, Chair of Forestry Commission said:

    “This has been a real endeavour by the team – the results are spectacular and will be invaluable to us as we strive to meet our legal target to increase tree planting cover.

    “The map fills critical data gaps about our national tree assets, helping us understand this natural resource and the benefits it brings, including carbon storage. Many people – from citizens to governments – will use the map to make evidence-based decisions to improve management and protection of our trees.”

    Freddie Hunter, Head of Remote Sensing at Forest Research, said:

    Freddie Hunter, Head of Remote Sensing at Forest Research, said:

    “This is an exciting moment. By using a combination of aerial and satellite technology, we have been able to locate and measure all trees outside of woodland (TOW) for the first time. By combining the National Forest Inventory woodland map and the TOW map we have a complete picture of tree canopy in England.

    “We used laser technology mounted on planes and images of the Earth’s surface captured by satellites to identify tree canopy cover across the breadth of the country. This will be vital in informing future tree-planting and monitoring.”

    Trees outside woodlands are defined as single trees in urban and rural areas and are some of the most iconic trees in our landscape, ranging from sprawling tree-lined hedgerows to the much-loved trees on our streets and in our parks.  These trees play an important role in storing carbon, regulating temperatures, and mitigating against the impacts of climate change, such as flooding and over-heating of our towns and cities. They also have a huge role in improving health and wellbeing – not least by reducing the impacts of air pollution.

    The project is funded by Defra’s Natural Capital and Ecosystem Assessment (NCEA) programme. The government is committed to turbocharging nature’s recovery and the launch of the new map is the latest step to improve nature and tree-planting across our communities as part of the Plan for Change.  This follows recent announcements on a new national forest, increasing timber in construction to boost forestry and  sustainable housebuilding, and the establishment of a dedicated tree-planting taskforce. The government has also recently announced up to £400 million for trees and peat, as part of the Nature for Climate Fund.

    The map is fully automated thanks to its use of spatial datasets and can be updated regularly to capture changes in tree canopy cover. For more information, visit Trees Outside Woodland Map – Forest Research. The map can be viewed online on the NCEA ArcGIS Online web portal (Trees Outside Woodland), and is free to download from the Forestry Commission open data download website National Trees Outside Woodland Map.

    Additional Information:

    • Forest Research is Great Britain’s principal organisation for forestry and tree-related research and is internationally renowned for the provision of evidence and scientific services in support of sustainable forestry.
    • The map is derived from LIDAR data from 2016 to 2022 and satellite data from 2021 to 2024. It is therefore not fully representative of trees in 2025.
    • The map is based on remote sensing, data analysis and algorithmic prediction combined with expert calibration, meaning an algorithm has predicted which of the features on the input data were trees. The feature detection accuracy of trees outside woodlands is 95%.
    • The data set was derived from the Vegetation Object Model (VOM) LIDAR Vegetation Object Model (VOM), The National Lidar Survey (National LIDAR Programme – data.gov.uk), and Sentinel-2 (Sentinel-2 – Sentinel Online) imagery using spatial algorithms.
    • The map will also be available via open web services from Defra’s Data Services Platform (DSP) later this month.
  • PRESS RELEASE : UK assistance reaches 15,000 people after Myanmar earthquake, with further £10m pledged [April 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK assistance reaches 15,000 people after Myanmar earthquake, with further £10m pledged [April 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 4 April 2025.

    UK now providing up to £25 million for vital humanitarian assistance.

    • The UK has bolstered its support to Myanmar earthquake, allocating a further £10 million to the ongoing humanitarian response
    • This brings the UK total to up to £25 million of support, including up to £5 million to match donations to the Disasters Emergency Committee appeal and £10 million announced on 29 March
    • UK-funded supplies are already reaching areas devastated by the quake, helping over 15,000 people so far

    Lifesaving support for those directly affected by the severe earthquake in Myanmar will now go even further, with the UK now providing up to £25 million for vital humanitarian assistance.

    The increase is the result of an additional £10million of UK funding directed towards the humanitarian response.

    It comes as UK Minister for the Indo-Pacific, Catherine West, this afternoon (4 April) visited the offices of the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) in London, to hear about the realities of delivering aid to the most vulnerable across Myanmar.

    The UK has already pledged to aid match every pound donated by the British public to the DEC appeal, up to £5million.

    UK funds, delivered through partners on the ground, are already helping to provide immediate support to the most vulnerable areas and people, including first aid, emergency and trauma care and primary healthcare, food, water, shelter and hygiene kits. The additional £10 million directed to the response will provide a further boost to these efforts, saving lives and supporting livelihoods across Myanmar. No UK support goes to the Myanmar regime.

    Catherine West, Minister for the Indo-Pacific, said:

    Even before this earthquake struck, Myanmar was already facing one of the world’s biggest humanitarian crises after four years of conflict.

    It is right that we step up to help. The rapid UK response means lifesaving supplies are already reaching those worst-affected by the quake – and new funding will enable partners on the ground to reach even more people in need.

    We thank the British public who continue to generously support the Myanmar people through the DEC appeal.

    The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) works with a network of specialist partner organisations to deliver targeted support on the ground. This means UK support is able to reach those most in need, despite the challenges of operating in Myanmar.

    The UK government has a strong track record of providing humanitarian assistance in Myanmar, with total UK support since the 2021 military coup standing at over £170 million. Our modern approach to aid not only supports some of the world’s most vulnerable people but also helps address global challenges from health to migration, ultimately contributing to the UK’s security and prosperity.

    In addition to humanitarian assistance, the FCDO continues to provide consular assistance to British nationals in both Myanmar and Thailand, which was also affected by last week’s earthquake.

    Notes to editors

    Funding the UK has committed to the Myanmar earthquake response includes:

    • An initial package of up to £10m to support the emergency response;
    • £5m to match donations to the Disasters Emergency Committee public appeal for Myanmar, launched Thursday 3 April;
    • A further £10m funding directed for humanitarian assistance, announced today.

    UK humanitarian support for Myanmar’s citizens will not support Myanmar’s military regime.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Second Pall Mall Process Conference in Paris – Minister Doughty’s welcome remarks [April 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Second Pall Mall Process Conference in Paris – Minister Doughty’s welcome remarks [April 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 4 April 2025.

    Stephen Doughty, Minister for Europe, North America and Overseas Territories, gave these welcome remarks by video to the second Pall Mall Process Conference in Paris.

    Good afternoon everyone, I’m sorry I can’t join you in person, but I am delighted to join my good friend, Minister Delegate Haddad, in participating virtually.

    And I’m hugely grateful to France for hosting this conference – testament to our strong friendship and commitment to global security, which we are demonstrating in so many ways at the present time.

    And I am glad that this is bringing together so many experts from government, the private sector, academia, and civil society.

    Your diverse perspectives are crucial in tackling a major challenge of our time – the proliferation and irresponsible use of cyber intrusion capabilities.

    In this dangerous era of contest and competition, cyber threats are testing our security and resolve on a daily basis.

    Of course, new technologies bring vast opportunities for security, prosperity, and democracy.

    Yet, they also make us more vulnerable to criminals, hackers, and reckless hostile states. And intrusive tools are becoming cheaper and more accessible.

    While these tools play a vital role in protecting our national and cyber security, they also bring significant challenges, as you all know.

    It is easier than ever for those who do not share our values to target human rights defenders, politicians, and journalists, among many others.

    We have also seen reckless attacks on our governments, our parliaments and critical infrastructure – from banks and power grids to hospitals and defence systems.

    And that’s why I’m so pleased you will be working together to address these threats and get the balance right.

    Since the first Pall Mall Process meeting last year, we’ve made real progress.

    So today, I’m proud to announce a major step forward – the formal launch of our new Code of Practice for governments.

    This bold package of commitments will help us to regulate the market, mitigating against harms that hacking tools can cause.

    And this will be good for us as States – making it easier to protect national security while ensuring a stable cyberspace.

    And it will be good for the industry too. By providing a clear view of what responsible activity looks like, we can make it easier for legitimate companies to operate in the right way.

    But this commitment must translate into action.

    Over the coming days, we must focus on how to put these measures into practice, track progress, and hold ourselves accountable.

    This is how we can protect our citizens and ensure that cyberspace remains free, open, peaceful, and secure.

    I wish you all the best for your discussions and I very much look forward to hearing the outcomes.

    Merci beaucoup, thank you very much.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer meeting with Prime Minister Mottley of Barbados [April 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer meeting with Prime Minister Mottley of Barbados [April 2025]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 4 April 2025.

    The Prime Minister welcomed Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados to Downing Street this morning.

    The leaders reflected on the strength of the relationship between the UK and Barbados, and the shared challenges faced by the two countries, including growth, climate change and global instability.

    The Prime Minister also thanked Prime Minister Mottley for the action taken by Barbados against the Russian shadow fleet.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to Côte d’Ivoire – John Marshall [April 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to Côte d’Ivoire – John Marshall [April 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 4 April 2025.

    Mr John Marshall has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire and non-resident Ambassador to the Republic of Togo in succession to Ms Catherine Brooker who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Mr Marshall will take up his appointment during June 2025.

    Curriculum vitae

    Full name: John Marshall

    Year Role
    2023 to present Guinea, His Majesty’s Ambassador
    2021 to 2022 Brussels, Temporary Assignment
    2016 to 2021 Luxembourg, Her Majesty’s Ambassador
    2011 to 2015 Dakar, Her Majesty’s Ambassador to Senegal and Her Majesty’s non-resident Ambassador to Guinea-Bissau and Cabo Verde
    2007 to 2011 Addis Ababa, Deputy Head of Mission
    2004 to 2006 FCO, Deputy Head, Sustainable Development and Commonwealth Group
    2003 to 2004 FCO, Head, Caribbean Team
    2000 to 2003 Kuala Lumpur, Head of Political, Economic and Public Diplomacy
    1997 to 1999 FCO, Head of Political Section, United Nations Department
    1995 to 1997 FCO, Head of India, Nepal and Bhutan Section, South Asian Department
    1992 to 1995 Tokyo, 2nd Secretary Economic/Political
    1988 Joined Foreign and Commonwealth Office
  • PRESS RELEASE : Current events in Turkey – UK Statement to the OSCE [April 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Current events in Turkey – UK Statement to the OSCE [April 2025]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 4 April 2025.

    Ambassador Holland says the UK is closely monitoring the situation in Turkey.

    Thank you, Mr Chair.  We are closely monitoring the situation in Türkiye. This is an ongoing domestic Turkish legal process, and the UK expects Türkiye to uphold its international commitments and the rule of law, including swift and transparent judicial processes.

    We have raised recent events with the Turkish Government and the Foreign Secretary spoke with Foreign Minister Fidan to raise the UK’s concern.

    The UK is a staunch supporter of democracy, human rights and the rule of law across the world and will always support the fundamental rights to freedom of speech, peaceful assembly and media freedom.

  • PRESS RELEASE : South Yorkshire kicks off £125 million plans to get Britain back to health and work [April 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : South Yorkshire kicks off £125 million plans to get Britain back to health and work [April 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department for Work and Pensions on 4 April 2025.

    Liz Kendall visits Barnsley to unveil first of nine ‘trailblazers’ which will get people back to health and back to work, supported by £18m of £125m investment.

    • First trailblazer programme to tackle inactivity and boost employment launches in South Yorkshire.
    • In the first year, South Yorkshire will work with over 7,800 people and aim to help up to 3,000 people into jobs or to stay in jobs.
    • Trailblazers at heart of wider efforts to Get Britain Working and boost economic growth under the Plan for Change.

    Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall has unveiled the first of nine trailblazer programmes in Barnsley to get Britain back to health and back to work, nine months on from her landmark speech on employment reforms in the same town.

    South Yorkshire is one of nine £125 million backed ‘inactivity trailblazers’ across the country to launch, with the aim of helping areas with the highest levels of economic inactivity as part of the wider Plan for Change.

    Backed by £18 million, South Yorkshire plans a dedicated new service working with employers to hire those with health conditions, and a new “triage” system to make it quicker and easier to connect people to employment, health, and skills support.

    This work will include preventing people falling out of work completely due to ill health through an NHS programme, working with people with conditions ranging from cardiovascular disease to diabetes. This could include arranging voluntary work as a stepping stone to paid employment or helping people receive the right treatment early so they can remain in a job. Similar NHS programmes have also kicked off this week in the North East and West Yorkshire.

    South Yorkshire has already had success in tailoring support to meet the needs of local people, including:

    • Gerald who spent years working in the coal mining industry. With the help of South Yorkshire, he’s developing his digital skills and first aid abilities so he can continue to share his knowledge with others through volunteering.
    • Ruby who has a learning and physical disability. She was told she would never walk or work, but South Yorkshire worked with local employer Barnsley Norse, who provide cleaning and caretaking services, to create a bespoke role with amended duties, including shorter shifts so she could build stamina and confidence.
    • John, who has improved his prospects through engagement with South Yorkshire, working towards a qualification in English and Maths. He is volunteering with Barnsley Museums and now has paid employment with Age UK, and two relief positions with the Museums service.

    Work and Pensions Secretary, Liz Kendall MP said:

    For too long, whole areas of the UK have been written off and deprived of investment. We are turning the tide on this – as we believe in the potential of every single person across our country and that they deserve to benefit from the security and dignity that good work affords.

    This is why we’re investing £125 million into nine local areas to get Britain back to health and back to work – with our new approach making it quicker and easier for people to access the support they need to stay in work if they have a health condition or return to work.

    South Yorkshire is the first to kick off their innovative plans – backed by £18 million – and we will be launching more areas in the coming weeks as we put more money in people’s pockets, boost living standards and Get Britain Working under our Plan for Change.

    South Yorkshire Mayor, Oliver Coppard said:

    We know that South Yorkshire’s industrial past has left a legacy of poor health and low skills that holds people back right across our communities; holding people back from accessing good work, making the most of their potential or living their fullest lives.

    That’s why we developed the pioneering Pathways to Work approach here in Barnsley, and why we’re now working with the Government to roll that programme out across the whole of South Yorkshire. From today people will receive tailored support, bringing together the health system, the skills and employment system, to truly help people back into decent work.

    I’m really pleased that South Yorkshire is now leading with the first inactivity trailblazer and NHS growth accelerator to launch in the UK, because it means we can help people more quickly and more effectively, and in a more tailored way. That’s not just the right thing to do for those people locked out of finding good work, it’s the right thing for our economy too, helping us to create the bigger and better economy we need and deserve here in our region.

    Minister for Public Health and Prevention, Ashley Dalton MP added:

    Poor health is holding back too many people across the country, keeping them languishing on waiting lists when they could be getting back to their jobs and lives. Innovative services like these are critical to tackling economic inactivity.

    This support will get people working again, which is vital because we know being in work leads to better overall heath and helps grow the economy.

    Though the Plan for Change we will make people healthier, reduce pressure on the NHS, all while helping them into fulfilling and rewarding careers.

    The trailblazer programmes, which have been designed largely by civil servants based in Sheffield working with Mayoral Combined Authorities, are part of the Government’s wider efforts to reach an 80 per cent employment rate, which includes a record £1 billion investment in helping disabled people and those with long-term health conditions who can work into work and an overhaul of Jobcentres to make sure they meet the needs of employers.

    Through their new initiatives, South Yorkshire aims to reduce inactivity from 25.5% in 2023 to under 20% by the end of 2029 – equivalent to helping 40,000 people across the area. Their trailblazer has been shaped by Barnsley’s Pathways to Work Commission – a landmark report that heard directly from local residents who have experienced barriers to accessing work.

    Once a crucible of the industrial revolution from steelmaking to coal mining, South Yorkshire has felt the full brunt of the industrial slump – and denied the investment and opportunity to thrive, with many people suffering from long-term health conditions.

    This new funding will help unlock the potential of the hardworking people across the region and help them get back to health and back to work. This is central to the government’s drive to deliver growth across the region – and will work alongside the 10-year Sheffield Growth Plan.

    South Yorkshire marks one of nine inactivity trailblazers going live across England and Wales. In the coming weeks, similar schemes will launch in: Greater Manchester, North East, York and North Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, Wales; and three in London (West London, South London and Local London).

    In addition, eight youth trailblazer areas will also be set up across mayoral authorities in England with £45 million funding in the coming weeks, to ensure all 18–21-year-olds have access to education, training, and employment opportunities.

    The government has published local Get Britain Working Plan guidance for Local Government and stakeholders across England to develop a coordinated approach to supporting people into and remaining in good work.

    As part of a drive to show transparency and track delivery, the Government is also publishing Get Britain Working outcome metrics, based on analysis of the ONS’ Labour Force Survey data.

    Further Information

    • With 230,000 economically inactive people in South Yorkshire, £10 million of the investment will go towards helping people who have been inactive for less than two years, as well as those with long-term health conditions, in Barnsley, Doncaster, Sheffield and Rotherham.
    • The remaining £8 million will fund the NHS Accelerator programme. This is the first time that the NHS in England will have responsibility for work as well as health outcomes, with similar schemes rolling out in West Yorkshire and the North East. They will also improve access to Talking Therapies, which provides treatment such as cognitive behavioural therapy to adults.
    • Both programmes aim to work with a total of 7,800 people and help up to 3,000 of those into jobs or to stay in work in the first year.
    • Sheffield’s Growth Plan is a 10-year plan to grow the economy, giving local people higher living standards and more opportunities. The South Yorkshire inactivity trailblazer represents that this government is focusing investment on places still experiencing the consequences of the past.
    • The nine inactivity trailblazers, backed by £125 million of UK Government funding, is giving power to the Welsh Government and some Mayoral Authorities to design joined up work, health and skills offers.
    • Funding for Scotland and Northern Ireland has been devolved in the usual way.
    • The Get Britain Working metrics have been published: Get Britain Working outcomes – GOV.UK
    • The measures have been built based on analysis of the ONS’ Labour Force Survey data and segment out health related inactivity, regional variations in employment rates and the disability employment rate gap.
    • The local Get Britain Working Plan guidance has been published: Guidance for Developing local Get Britain Working plans (England) – GOV.UK
    • The guidance will ensure all areas are working towards the government’s 80% employment ambition.
    • The eight youth trailblazers will be in: Liverpool, West Midlands, Tees Valley, East Midlands, West of England, and Cambridgeshire & Peterborough and two in London
    • Employment support measures are fully transferred to Northern Ireland. Jobcentre Plus services is reserved in both Scotland and Wales, but the Scottish Government and the Welsh Government also deliver other forms of employment support. The funding announced in the Pathways to Work Green Paper is UK wide, the share of funding for devolved Governments will be calculated in the usual way.
    • The UK Government also plans to establish new governance arrangements with the Scottish and Welsh Governments to help frame discussions around the reform of Jobcentres and agree how best to work in partnership on shared employment ambition across devolved and reserved provision.
    • The announcement of the first inactivity trailblazer comes as the Government and National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) invests £7.4 million in four research projects across the UK to help reduce health-related economic inactivity.