Local Government Improvement and Development worked closely with experts in the worklessness field in England, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), and Communities and Local Government to develop a series of ‘How to’ guides.  The guides are aimed to help practitioners who have a role in tackling worklessness and meeting local employment outcomes.

These guides contain practical advice, tips for action and support, and offer practical support for tackling worklessness

Using the Public Sector

This guide explores some of the main ways in which the public sector can develop employment opportuntiies as a way of tackling worklessness.  The core approaches outlined in this guide are illustrated with good practice case studies around the UK.

Why adopt this approach to tackling worklessness

• Councils and hospitals are often the main employers in a local authority area
• employment is one area in which the public sector can have a significant direct impact and influence
• the public sector is a major employer, particularly for women, and can provide secure employment with real routes for progression for those who often start out in flexible jobs
• local authorities have a duty to promote equality and can provide opportunities for those who are disadvantaged or discriminated against in the labour market

• by leading through example public sector employers can have an impact on the employment practices of private employers and the voluntary and community sectors

Using the Public Sector