The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is set to introduce tougher conditions for benefit claimants, as Prime Minister Andy Burnham emphasises the need for more young people to enter employment.
On Tuesday, Mr Burnham will unveil significant reforms to secondary schools, aimed at better preparing pupils for the world of work. The Makerfield MP indicated that his Cabinet may tighten the rules surrounding benefits ahead of a major initiative to increase youth employment.
Under the proposed changes, starting from Year 10, pupils will have the opportunity to combine core academic subjects, such as English and maths, with technical education tailored to jobs available in their local areas.
This announcement seeks to address the high number of young people who are not in education, employment, or training - currently exceeding one million.
Mr Burnham stated:
“For too long in this country, students have been told that you must take the academic path to do well and to be respected.
The whole school system has been built around it and that has let down young people seeking technical qualifications.
I want an education system based on parity between academic and technical which gives all young people a clear path in life.
From today, Britain will value the hard hat every bit as much as the graduation cap.
In a fundamental change to the education system, we will introduce new technical education pathways from 14 – prestigious routes that will give students the chance to combine the core academic subjects with the skills, technical knowledge and experience that need to get quality, well-paid jobs where they live.
My message to young people is this – whether you choose construction, coding or classics, or maths, manufacturing or mechanics, you’ll get the skills you need to be given the respect you deserve.”
These reforms follow a report by Alan Milburn in May, which warned that Britain risks leaving behind a “lost generation” of young people ill-equipped for employment. Mr Milburn welcomed the changes, describing them as “very welcome” and “a big step in the right direction”, consistent with the findings of his review.