In its Joined up, Moving Up - Linking Services to Help People Back into the Workforce report, published today, the CBI argues that targeting welfare-to-work services at those who are hardest to help at an early stage would give them the tailored support they need and could make huge savings for taxpayers through reduced benefits payments.
Among the measures the CBI is calling for are: using the Flexible New Deal to bring a wider range of services together so people can get the tailored support they need, when they need it; and putting the potential benefits savings that result when an unemployed person finds a job back into employment programmes.
Susan Anderson, CBI director of public services and skills, said: "Although there have been improvements in welfare-to-work services through Jobcentre Plus and the Flexible New Deal, much more has to be done to prevent those who are most in need from falling into long-term unemployment.
"Often an individual faces several barriers to getting back to work that need to be addressed at the same time. For example, an unemployed person at risk of losing their home and with training needs may require access to debt counselling and employment services. In many cases better co-ordination of services will ensure the personalised support they need is available, while avoiding duplication."
