DWP major update that could boost income by £1,400

The government is set to roll out a record-breaking 100,000 new workplace training opportunities in 2025, aimed at helping jobseekers across the country, particularly in deprived communities.

This significant expansion of the popular Sector-Based Work Academy Programmes (SWAPs) will offer individuals a chance to gain industry-specific skills and find meaningful employment.

Following the success of a SWAP pilot in the hospitality sector, it will now be rolled out to 26 new areas, including 13 coastal towns such as Scarborough and Blackpool, where jobs are in high demand.

This expansion will help fill the 88,000 vacancies in the hospitality industry alone, improving employment prospects across the country.

Minister for Employment, Alison McGovern, confirmed that SWAPs would be available for an additional 100,000 people in the upcoming year - an increase of over 25% from this year’s target.

SWAPs are designed for jobseekers who are receiving certain benefits, providing them with tailored training in high-demand sectors, a work placement, and a guaranteed job interview. In the last year alone, more than 63,000 people have joined the scheme, helping them secure new job opportunities.

“This boost is a vital part of our plan to help more people get into work, improve their living standards, and create a fairer job market,” said McGovern.

“SWAPs are proven to increase earnings and job retention, providing both the necessary skills and the confidence to succeed.”

Recent research shows that participants in SWAPs not only stay employed longer but also earn up to £1,400 more within two years of completing the programme. The initiative is particularly beneficial to more vulnerable groups, such as older jobseekers and those facing health challenges.

These findings demonstrate the long-term impact of SWAPs, with participants seeing financial and career growth compared to those who do not engage with the scheme.

The government’s Plan for Change, which includes an overhaul of jobcentres and a focus on tackling economic inactivity, is supported by this announcement. McGovern highlighted the positive effect of these reforms on both individuals and businesses.

She said:“As part of our Plan for Change, we’re making sure that more people, in more areas, can access the training they need to unlock job opportunities right on their doorstep.”

In a bid to tackle high vacancy rates, especially in sectors like hospitality, the government has also expanded its partnership with UKHospitality.

The success of a SWAP pilot in this sector will now be rolled out to 26 new areas, including 13 coastal towns such as Scarborough and Blackpool, where jobs are in high demand. This expansion will help fill the 88,000 vacancies in the hospitality industry alone, improving employment prospects across the country.

Kate Nicholls, CEO of UKHospitality, praised the government’s efforts to broaden the scheme.

“Our pilot programme has proven to be a brilliant way to offer quality entry-level training, and we’re thrilled to see it being rolled out across the UK. This will help more people find jobs, support growth in the sector, and address the challenge of economic inactivity.”

The SWAP initiative is available to anyone on unemployment benefits, including Universal Credit, Jobseekers Allowance, and Employment and Support Allowance, who meets the eligibility criteria. Participants can join through their local Jobcentre, with no need for additional basic employability skills support.

Employers can also get involved by partnering with Jobcentres to develop training programmes tailored to their specific needs. This opens the door to a more diverse talent pool, equipped with the skills required to fill vacancies.

With the government’s commitment to supporting jobseekers and businesses alike, this expansion of SWAPs looks set to make a lasting impact on the UK’s workforce in 2025 and beyond.