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22 Summer 2022 J une 30th marked the end of the Way to Work campaign, where the Government worked in partnership with employers and stakeholders to help 500,000 jobseekers into work. Half amillion people have been supported into work in less than six months thanks to the campaign and bene t claimants moved into work at a record rate. It’s claimed that hundreds of employers across the UK have bene ted, saving themmoney on recruitment costs and lling vacancies. Launched in January, ministers set the target of supporting 500,000 jobseekers through the jobcentre and into employment by the end of June. is coincided with the need to ll a record number of job vacancies as the economy rebounded after the pandemic. Unemployment now stands at an almost 50-year low, with 627,000 more people in payroll employment compared to pre-pandemic levels. e nation’s attitudes have been transformed, with many job seekers taking on roles in new sectors and employers recruiting through job centres for the rst time. To keep up momentum, the department will continue to bring jobseekers face to face with employers, helping more people nd work and earn a wage. During the campaign, then-Prime Minister, Boris Johnson said: “In less than six months we’ve helped half a million people - who have so far been struggling to nd employment - into work. is is a massive success, especially in the context of some of the global economic pressures we’ve been facing. “Helping people nd the security of a stable income, through a job they can take pride in, is one of the best ways for people to support their families during these challenging times. at’s why we’re stepping up targeted support measures to ensure everyone can nd a job that’s right for them, develop their skills and climb up the career ladder.” Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, érèse Co ey said that when people needed jobs and the economy needed workers, the Government and other stakeholders had stepped up e orts to connect job seekers with employers, achieving their target to get 500,000 more people into work in less than six months. “Our ABC approach to help people get ANY job rst, a BETTER job next and into a CAREER is o to a ying start. With people in jobs, we can move to the next stage – helping them progress in-work and boost their earnings,” she said. Meanwhile, Minister for Employment, Mims Davies MP said it is vital to get everyone, at any age or career stage, the support they need to get back into work. “We’re stepping up our targeted support for older workers, those living with health conditions and for people who have been out of work for more than 12 months, ensuring everyone can nd a job that’s right for them, earn a wage and have the opportunity to progress,” the MP said. “As part of “Way to Work”, rules for job- ready claimants were changed, requiring them to broaden their job search after one month to include sectors new to them. ” e Department for Work and Pensions also worked with employers to short- circuit their recruitment practices, getting hiring managers and job seekers in front of each other in job centres across the UK, leading to an ‘on the spot’ hiring approach, getting people earning quicker, and reducing hiring costs for employers. Campaign helps half a million jobseekers and eases employers’ recruitment costs. WAY TO WORK