More Work Coaches means more jobseekers across the country will get personalised support to help them find their next role, or upskill for expanding sectors.

This milestone signals that not only are there more Work Coaches to help get people back into work than ever before, but that the government remains on track to meet its pledge of 13,500 new Work Coaches by the end of March 2021.

Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Thérèse Coffey, said:

With thousands of new Work Coaches on our frontline, we have made sure that support is there for every jobseeker – wherever you are in Britain and whatever your circumstances.

This is part of our plans to build back better and get back on track as we begin to recover from coronavirus.

Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, said:

Work Coaches are an important part of our £280bn Plan for Jobs – and throughout the pandemic I’ve witnessed first-hand the key role they play.

I’m thrilled to see another 10,000 Work Coaches in jobcentres up and down the country, changing people’s lives for the better.

Throughout the pandemic, Work Coaches have been providing online support, continuing to help jobseekers build their skills and find new jobs as some sectors have continued to recruit.

With a growing jobs army, and ahead of restrictions easing, the Department for Work and Pensions is investing in new, temporary jobcentres for the new recruits, making sure support is accessible.

Along with helping people improve their CV, interview chances and job search, Work Coaches also help arrange more structured support, including linking jobseekers up with opportunities as our Plan for Jobs revives the jobs market:

• The £2 billion Kickstart Scheme puts young people receiving benefits first in line for new, high quality, six-month roles provided by employers from all sectors. The placements give them a wage for the duration and the chance to build their experience and professional networks.

• The £238 million JETS programme targets those out of work for three months with a range of help from expert providers, including specialist advice on how people can move into growing sectors.

• Increased support for 40,000 jobseekers of all ages through the Sector-based Work Academy Programme, which received a £17 million funding boost this summer, and will help people learn new skills through a mixture of work experience and training, followed by a guaranteed interview for a real job.

Further information:

• The Budget on 3 March 2021 will outline the next stage in the government’s Plan for Jobs, including further detail on economic support to protect jobs and livelihoods across the UK.

Media enquiries for this press release – 020 3267 5144

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On 23 February 2021, Rt Hon Gavin Williamson CBE MP, Secretary of State for Education sent a letter to Simon Lebus, Ofqual’s Chief Regulator. It sets out how:

• GCSEs, AS and A levels should be awarded this year using teacher assessed grades based on a range of evidence
• vocational and technical qualifications will be split into 3 each with a different approach to awarding
• other general qualifications will be awarded through alternative arrangements

Read Simon Lebus’ response to this letter, which confirms Ofqual’s decisions about how these qualifications will be graded in 2021.

Thank you, Madam President.

The United Kingdom welcomes the High Commissioner’s detailed and most comprehensive report on Sri Lanka.

We share the concerns regarding the reversal of progress on issues of accountability, and also the current human rights situation, and the risk and recurrence of past violations.

We are also concerned at the increase in surveillance and indeed harassment of civil society actors, the militarisation of these civilian governmental functions, and the impact of the government’s forced cremation policy on different communities in Sri Lanka, particularly the Muslim community, who continue to face persecution.

We also regret the Government of Sri Lanka’s decision to withdraw support for resolution 30/1, and note that previous domestic initiatives have all failed regrettably to deliver meaningful accountability. The appointment of senior military officials allegedly implicated in war crimes and crimes against humanity also calls into question Sri Lanka’s commitment to accountability and justice.

Therefore the Human Rights Council must continue to consider the situation in Sri Lanka and press for progress on justice, reconciliation and accountability, and improved respect for human rights. Enhanced monitoring by the Office of the High Commissioner is critical to support this. Together with our Core Group partners, we will present a new resolution to continue the Council’s engagement on these important issues, and have indicated our desire to work with the Government of Sri Lanka in support of accountability and lasting reconciliation for all communities.