Job guarantee scheme is essential for the UK recovery plan, says Wales TUC

• New TUC report sets out plans for a scheme to avoid high unemployment and to benefit Britain’s communities

The Wales TUC is today (Monday) calling on the UK Government to provide a Job Guarantee Scheme as part of the recovery plan for the economy and people’s living standards.

In a new report, the TUC outlines the details of a scheme that would help prevent the pandemic being followed by a major unemployment crisis and prolonged recession.

It would have similarities to the Future Jobs Fund, which was part of the national recovery plan following the recession in 2008 caused by the private banking crisis. A UK Government evaluation found a net benefit of more than £7,000 per participant.

The jobs created by the scheme would have to meet key requirements:

• Additional jobs that would not otherwise be created by employers
• Benefit the UK and its communities, such as helping to decarbonise the economy
• Secure contracts of at least 6 months
• Wages that pay at least the real Living Wage
• Training opportunities to help people move into longer-term work
• Guaranteed access to trade union representation

Transition from the Job Retention Scheme

The Job Retention Scheme must continue throughout lockdown. It must be flexible at the end of lockdown, to allow short-working while people transition back to normal hours. And it must be extended beyond lockdown for high-risk groups who must remain in social isolation for longer.

But the Wales TUC says that with people already losing jobs, especially in sectors such as hospitality, entertainment and retail, support is also needed for the growing numbers of unemployed workers.

The Job Guarantee Scheme will prevent these workers getting caught in long-term unemployment while also providing socially valuable work. It would be overseen in Wales by a national Wales Recovery Panel.

Supporting young workers

The hardest hit employment sectors also have high rates of young workers.

The recession caused by the private banking crisis in 2008 particularly harmed the employment prospects of young workers. The unemployment rate for 18 to 24-year olds reached a much higher peak than for other age groups.

Long periods of unemployment for young workers are associated with a higher risk of further periods of unemployment, lower-skilled work and lower-paid work throughout the rest of their working lives.

For these reasons, younger workers should get early access to the scheme after 3 months, compared to 6 months for other workers. And they should have guaranteed training.

Wales TUC General Secretary Shavanah Taj said:

“A Job Guarantee Scheme in Wales could be a vital step in stopping the Coronavirus health crisis becoming an employment crisis. Similar schemes have proven effective in the past and are common across Europe.

“We believe that a Jobs Guarantee Scheme that is managed and delivered in Wales could respond effectively to the specific challenges facing our economy. Bold action like this is necessary to secure a swift and strong recovery based on our commitment to fair work for all.”