Mark Whitehead 04 January 2023

Labour proposes more employment powers for councils

Labour proposes more employment powers for councils image
Image: BasPhoto/Shutterstock.com

Labour proposes more employment powers for councils

Local authorities would be given more power in an overhaul of the jobs market and training under plans being looked at by the Labour Party.

Labour says it will turn job centres into hubs for skills training and may also allow universal credit claimants to study and train while receiving benefits.

Shadow employment minister Alison McGovern said local authorities were best placed to overhaul employment support.

She said: ‘We want to grow the economy across the country and make sure everybody feels the benefit. You cannot do that without local places being in the lead.

‘At the moment too much of DWP’s policy is made in Whitehall and doesn’t engage in the conversations at all about the big initiatives that are happening between councils, skills centres or developers.

‘We should empower local authorities to look at the opportunities – every sector has labour shortages – and let towns and cities work it out.’

The policy is likely to be adopted based on two key reports by Gordon Brown and David Blunkett, which will form the building blocks for Labour’s manifesto offer.

Brown’s Commission on the UK’s Future said the devolution of Jobcentre Plus should mean they become a hub for local employers - open to those looking to upskill, re-enter the workplace, or start businesses - and resources for civil society, trade union and private sector support.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Director of Public Health

Royal Borough of Greenwich
Up to £131,210
The Public Health department is at the heart of the council’s business. Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Head of Regeneration and Growth

Plymouth City Council
£68,387 - £74,411 (MFS and relocation available, pay award pending)
This is a unique opportunity to lead our award-winning development team and directly deliver hundreds of millions of pounds of projects. Plymouth, Devon
Recuriter: Plymouth City Council

Director of Adult Social Care

Wiltshire Council
£119,390 - £127,137
Join us as the Director of Adult Social Care and make a real difference to people’s lives. Wiltshire
Recuriter: Wiltshire Council

Assistant Director Planning, Performance & Engagement

East Sussex County Council
up to £97,700
With strong local communities, unspoilt countryside and vibrant coastal towns, East Sussex offers an exceptional quality of life to many. East Sussex
Recuriter: East Sussex County Council

Director of Finance & Commerce

Lancashire County Council
Up to £114,339
You will play a critical role in driving the organisation through complex change and innovation. Lancashire
Recuriter: Lancashire County Council
Linkedin Banner