In the last edition, we shared some policy headlines from the Government's Back To Work Plan and there will soon be a 'Get Britain Working' White Paper which will set out  a £240 million package to break down barriers to work, you can read more here. This will include trailblazers to streamline work, health and skills support. Within the recent Autumn Budget, there were also headlines for skills and employment, with some of the key announcements including: 

• £300 million additional cash investment for further education. 

• An 18% apprenticeship minimum wage rise to £7.55 an hour and national minimum wage increases for 18-20 year olds by £1.40 to £10 an hour - effective from April 2025.

• £40 million for shorter and foundation apprenticeships in 'key sectors' and as part of initial steps towards a reformed growth and skills levy, set to replace the apprenticeship levy.

• More capital funding for education, with £6.7 billion to go to the Department for Education (DfE) - of this £950 million will be for skills capital, including £300 million to support colleges to maintain, improve and ensure stability of their estate. 

• The Government will also invest £115 million in 2025-26 to deliver 'Connect to Work', a new supported employment programme matching people with disabilities or health conditions into vacancies and supporting them to succeed in their roles. From 2026-27, this will support nearly 100,000 people a year. Local authorities will be able to tailor their delivery of Connect to Work in ways that meet their local need.