Future of work what you need to know about the Plan For Jobs Scheme

: 29th September, 2020

Within our last three articles we have summarised the latest employment news and the future of work, in particular the government’s new Plan for Jobs scheme.

We have explored, investigated and found the essential information you need for everything from claiming Universal Credit through to claiming Statutory Sick Pay for Coronavirus (COVID-19) related absences.

The first article in the series ‘Employment News - what does the new Plan for Jobs mean for you?’, provided an overview of the Plan for Jobs scheme.

Our second article in the series ‘Future of work - finding work and gaining the skills you need - A Plan for Jobs’ article provided detailed information on how the government is supporting jobs under the Plan for Jobs scheme along with an in depth review of the new Kickstart scheme.

The third article in our Plan for Jobs employment news series, ‘UK Jobs – what support is there for individuals?’ delved deeper into the ‘Supporting Individuals’ section of the initiative with key information regarding claiming Universal Credit, the Hardship Fund and the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.

This, the fourth and final article in the Plan for Jobs series serves to combine all of the key actions you can take ensure the Plan for Jobs scheme works for you.

What is the Plan for Jobs scheme?

Plan for Jobs is the second phase of the governments staged recovery from Coronavirus (COVID-19) plan with a strong focus on strengthening existing employment and skills help individuals find work and gain the skills they need:

Support people in finding jobs.
Enable them to gain the skills they need to get jobs.
Provide targeted help for young people to get into work.

What key actions can I take from the Plan for Jobs scheme?

Action 1: Kickstart your career with the Kickstart Scheme

Employers will be creating new 6-month job placements for young people aged 18-24 who are currently claiming Universal Credit and at risk of long-term unemployment under the Kickstart Scheme.

Kickstart jobs are designed to build your skills in the workplace and help you to gain experience. With experience and applicable skills, you will find that your chances of finding long term work are greatly improved.

Take Action: Jobcentre staff will be looking out for people at risk of long-term unemployment and will be referring them directly to the scheme, but you can reach out to your work coach and ask to be referred to the scheme. For more information about the Kickstart Scheme click here.

Action 2: Boost your work search and build your skills with the National Careers Service

The National Careers Service offers support with:

Identifying key strengths and skills.
Searching and applying for jobs.
CV writing and completing application forms.
Understanding the job market.
Interview techniques.
Searching for courses and training schemes.
Finding funding to support learning.
Finding out about volunteering opportunities to develop work skills.
Exploring career options.
Choosing training routes.
Developing a plan for career goals.

As the National Careers Service is publicly funded, all services are offered free of charge and can be accessed online, by telephone and face-to-face.

Take Action: Immerse yourself in as many knowledge gaining exercises as possible. Take part in the National Careers Services courses and training schemes. Continue to update your CV and improve your job hunting techniques while you are searching for work.

Call 0800 100 900 to speak to an advisor. Lines are open from 8am to 10pm, 7 days a week. Calls are free from landlines and most mobile numbers.

For more information about the National Careers Service click here.

Action 3: Get work-based skills and experience with a Traineeship

If you are aged between 16 and 24 you can get up to 90 hours of unpaid work experience as well as classroom-based lessons in Maths, English and CV writing.

Take Action: Find an enrol on a Traineeship through Jobcentre Plus, HMRC, or your local college:

Search for a Traineeship on the HMRC find a Traineeship page.
Speak to your Jobcentre Plus advisor if you’re in receipt of benefits.
Ask your local college or training provider if they have any opportunities.

For more information on Traineeships click here.

Action 4: Claim Universal Credit & make the most of other support available to you

When you are claiming Universal Credit, you now get an increased standard allowance and access to other discounts including:

Advance payments upfront without the requirement to attend a jobcentre.
Housing support – Increased housing support.
50% off public transport.
Flexible Support Fund Grant.
Help with childcare costs.
Help to Save Scheme.
Sure Start Maternity Grants.
Alternative Payment Arrangements (APA).
Budgeting Advance.
Access to Council Tax Hardship Funds.

For more information about the changes to Universal Credit and the various support listed above and discounts you can access click here.

Take Action: If you are not yet claiming Universal Credit or if you are unsure if you are eligible for help you can contact the Universal Credit hotline on 0800 328 5644. For more information about claiming Universal Credit visit the Universal Credit website.

Action 5: Search for vacancies and apply for jobs

Take action: All of our latest temporary and permanent vacancies for industries including warehouse, driving office and hospitality are posted on our website here.

For more information about getting a job through Blue arrow click here.

Take action: Jobcentre Pus also has a website for people looking for work with over 58,200 vacancies listed, with information on job fairs and skills training opportunities by geographical area.