Andy Burnham has called on the government to give him a “few hundred thousand pounds” and pledged to get 150,000 people back into work in the next five years in return.
The Mayor of Greater Manchester outlined his plans at Loaves and Fishes – a Salford charity which helped inspire the idea of a “Live Well” service.
A “Live Well” service will tackle the root causes of worklessness with positive tailored support to grow confidence, wellbeing and skills.
Burnham said: “If the government routes a few hundred thousand pounds of the £6 million available through our local community and voluntary organisations we will do a better job of getting more people into work.”
The government has set a long-term target of an 80% employment rate. It is currently 70% in Greater Manchester.
At present, the government controls the benefits system nationally.
Burnham added: “If we carry on what we have always been doing we will not get there. A person-centred, positive approach is needed.
“The (current) system is a tick-box regime. It does not delve into what is going on in somebody’s life.
“We believe we can get 150,000 people into employment in the next five years.”
Burnham visited the charity with Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, and 2015-Labour-leadership-rival-turned-ally, Liz Kendall.
Speaking at the event, the MP for Leicester West said: “(The government) want to give more powers to local areas because you know best what you need.”
Salford Loaves and Fishes offers free meals, housing and benefits advice, a Skills for Life training hub, addiction support, some NHS health checks and showering and laundry services – a one-stop shop.
Kevin, who has been helped by the charity, said: “People listen to you at places like this. I went to the job centre to try and get help.
“But all I got was a piece of paper with numbers on it and when you rang there was no one to answer.
“Centres like this are not just a drop-in they are a lifeline to certain people.”
Wayne, another person the charity has helped, shared a similar story.
He said: “It has saved my life. I got all the help I needed. Places like this should be a government-funded initiative.
“You need more places like this, nationally. Not just in Salford. Not just in Manchester.”
Feature Image: Andy Burnham and Liz Kendall MP at Loaves and Fishes. Image by Mark Strickland for MM.
