Imagine a world where everyone who wants to work, can work. But what if hidden obstacles are holding people back, preventing them from contributing their skills and talents? That's the challenge Northumberland is tackling head-on with a groundbreaking new initiative – and it could change everything.
This multi-million pound project, officially launched on October 17, 2025, is designed to dismantle the barriers that prevent individuals from entering the workforce. Think of it as a comprehensive support system, carefully crafted to help people find and keep good, stable jobs. The program will be delivered via Northumberland Skills Employability Team, accessed through the Council’s existing Work Smart, Live Well service.
So, what exactly are these barriers? In the UK alone, a staggering two million people are eager to work but are currently outside the labor market. Often, the reasons are related to health issues or disabilities. In Northumberland specifically, there are 54,800 economically inactive individuals of working age. Dig a little deeper, and you'll find that 20,500 are dealing with long-term sickness or disabilities, 8,500 have significant caring responsibilities, and 9,000 have retired earlier than planned.
Now, here's an important point. Just because someone is classified as 'economically inactive' doesn't mean they aren't contributing. Many are volunteers, caregivers for elderly relatives, or looking after children – all vital roles that support the economy. And this is the part most people miss...a considerable number of these individuals want to work and would work, if given the appropriate support and flexible working conditions.
This new initiative, a coordinated and community-focused employment support system, is rooted in robust partnerships with the North East Combined Authority (North East CA) and the NHS North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board. By combining existing programs, the approach seamlessly integrates services, especially those related to health, skills, and employment. The goal? To maximize resources and improve outcomes for both participants and employers.
The UK Government, through the North East CA and the NHS North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board, is funding this ambitious project. These organizations also received additional funding to accelerate efforts to decrease economic inactivity. In total, Northumberland has been awarded £6.97 million to implement a coordinated strategy that includes enhanced pathways to employment for local residents, support for employers, and improved system integration.
The cornerstone of this approach is simplifying access to support. This will be achieved through an integrated 'single front door' triage system. Imagine one central point of contact that connects individuals with various employment support pathways, training and skills providers, and potential employers. This streamlined system aims to provide the best possible opportunities for people to move towards and secure fulfilling jobs across Northumberland.
Richard Wearmouth, Deputy Leader of Northumberland County Council, emphasizes the project's alignment with the council's priorities: "Two of our priorities are focused on driving economic growth and tackling inequalities and we want to expand what we are doing to help more people into work. It's important we do everything we can for our residents to help build an even better future for them and the county."
North East Mayor Kim McGuinness echoes this sentiment: "The North East is an amazing place to work but too many people are facing barriers when they’re trying to find a job. However, that’s all about to change as we help thousands of people back to the workplace with tailored support that tackles the issues they’re facing. It’s all part of our New Deal for North East Workers, we’re helping local people secure the jobs that work for them. Because when everyone can succeed, our communities and our economy thrive."
The primary focus of this integrated approach is to support economically inactive residents of Northumberland on their journey back into sustainable employment. But here's where it gets controversial...the initiative will also provide guidance to those already employed, helping them to remain in their jobs. Some might argue that the focus should be exclusively on the unemployed. What do you think?
Samantha Allen, chief executive of NHS North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board, highlights the power of collaboration: "This is a fantastic example of what can be achieved through strong partnerships and a shared passion to tackle the underlying causes of poor health and economic inactivity. By connecting our NHS services through Northumberland’s Work Smart, Live Well, we can remove barriers, improve health and wellbeing, and help more people access good, sustainable jobs."
She further explains the integrated nature of the support: "For many people, this will mean, for the first time, services are joined up around them – bringing together the support they need, from healthcare and physiotherapy to job support, money advice, mental health support, and community help. These NHS WorkWell services are part of our wider £19 million investment for the region which will help to unlock the potential of thousands of people who want to work but need more support to stay well to do so."
This initiative represents a significant step towards creating a more inclusive and prosperous Northumberland. But the question remains: Will this integrated approach truly dismantle the complex barriers that prevent people from working? And how can we ensure that the support is tailored to meet the diverse needs of individuals in the community? Share your thoughts and ideas in the comments below!
