Following the pandemic, the United Kingdom’s labour market is in an unusual position, simultaneously experiencing low unemployment and a record 1.28 million vacancies in the first three months of 2022.

New research shows that the current system of employment support, skills and careers services is ill-equipped to address these challenges. Specifically, that it is not designed to build strong relationships, either between citizens and service providers, or between citizens themselves. It has also found that the current system is too fragmented, overly centralised and unable to address the UK’s economic challenges.

The author of this report argues that a new Universal Work Service is needed - one that will improve outcomes by strengthening relationships, providing joined up services for individuals and employers, and supporting the UK economy to adapt to demographic and technological change.