The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has unveiled that people receiving certain unemployment benefits can benefit from Sector-Based Work Academy Programmes (SWAPs).
These programmes offer essential training, work placements, and guaranteed job interviews in industries experiencing significant demand, including hospitality and construction.
Success of SWAPs: Last Year’s Performance
In the past financial year, the initiative saw a remarkable success, exceeding the UK Government’s target.
A total of 86,640 SWAP places were filled, surpassing the anticipated 80,000, and played a pivotal role in assisting individuals into employment, which consequently boosted personal income.
Expanding Opportunities for Employment
For the current fiscal year, the DWP aims to increase the number of available positions to 100,000, with a target employment rate of 80%.
This expansion underscores the department’s commitment to fulfilling the government’s long-term growth plans, as reported by the Daily Record.
SWAPs: A Crucial Element of the Government’s Economic Strategy
This development aligns with broader government strategies aimed at improving living standards and increasing incomes, as outlined in the Plan for Change.
Liz Kendall MP, the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, emphasized the programme’s long-term benefits, saying:
“SWAPs help individuals stay employed for longer and increase their wages, while also providing businesses with loyal employees equipped with the right skills.”
She further noted the scheme’s upcoming expansion:
“That’s why we are enhancing the programme next year, enabling even more individuals to access these transformative opportunities.”
Kendall added that this support is vital for reintegrating people into the workforce and unlocking growth. The government’s commitment to improving living standards and removing barriers to opportunities is central to the Plan for Change.
Eligibility for SWAPs
The programme is available to anyone aged 16 or older in Scotland or England who is claiming Universal Credit, Jobseeker’s Allowance, or Employment and Support Allowance, provided they don’t need additional support to get started in work.
Filling the Skills Gap
SWAPs aim to address the skills gap and equip people with the basic employability skills needed to secure and retain employment.
This forms part of the UK Government’s broader strategy to Get Britain Working, which includes revamping jobcentres, combating inactivity, and enhancing jobseeker outcomes.
Key Benefits of Participating in SWAPs
Recent research by the DWP highlighted the positive impact of the SWAPs programme. Participants who engage in the programme:
- Stay in their jobs three months longer on average.
- Earn up to £1,400 more compared to non-participants.
- Save taxpayers more than £350 per person in benefits.
Since its launch in April 2021, SWAPs have successfully provided 370,560 places, with over 86,000 places filled last financial year.
New Developments for 2025
Looking ahead, the DWP is introducing a new Hospitality SWAPs pilot in 26 areas experiencing a high demand for jobs. These areas include 13 coastal towns like Scarborough and Blackpool.
Part of the Plan for Change
This initiative is part of the UK Government’s wider Plan for Change, which includes boosting the National Living Wage and improving job security through the Employment Rights Bill.
The Role of Jobcentres in SWAPs
Jobcentres, in partnership with employers and training providers, play a central role in developing and offering these SWAPs.
These opportunities are designed to match individuals with sectors that have high numbers of current vacancies, ensuring that participants have access to real employment opportunities.
The Sector-Based Work Academy Programmes (SWAPs) have proven to be an instrumental tool in supporting unemployed individuals and addressing skill shortages in key sectors such as hospitality and construction.
By offering training, work placements, and guaranteed job interviews, the DWP’s programme is helping many individuals transition into stable and well-paying roles. With the expansion planned for this year and beyond, SWAPs are set to continue providing valuable opportunities for individuals seeking long-term employment.
FAQs
Who is eligible for the Sector-Based Work Academy Programmes (SWAPs)?
Anyone aged 16 or older in Scotland or England, who is claiming Universal Credit, Jobseeker’s Allowance, or Employment and Support Allowance, and does not need extra support, can apply for the SWAPs programme.
What benefits do SWAP participants experience?
Participants in the SWAPs programme typically stay in employment for three months longer, earn up to £1,400 more, and save taxpayers over £350 per individual.
How is the SWAPs programme expanding in the current fiscal year?
The DWP plans to increase the number of SWAPs places to 100,000 this fiscal year, with the introduction of new pilot schemes such as Hospitality SWAPs in key areas including coastal towns like Scarborough and Blackpool.