Search

Services
Go back
Back to News

Barnsley Council welcomes £3.5 billion government investment in employment support and celebrates new provider partnerships for Pathways to Work

Barnsley Council has welcomed the government’s announcement of over £3.5 billion in funding for employment support by 2028–29, as outlined in the latest spending review. This major investment aims to help more people gain the skills they need, reduce economic inactivity, and support access to better jobs.

As part of this funding, Barnsley will continue to be one of nine trailblazer areas piloting innovative approaches to tackling economic inactivity. The council is now expanding its nationally recognised Pathways to Work Commission through a regional pilot.

Backed by Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall, the Pathways to Work model brings together health, wellbeing, skills, and employment services to offer joined-up, personalised support that helps people move closer to work.
To help deliver this support, Barnsley Council has commissioned a dedicated network of local providers who will work alongside the council’s own employment services to help residents overcome barriers to work. These include: 
  • South Yorkshire Housing Association, St Giles Trust, Autism Plus, and Berneslai Homes will offer tailored support for people with health conditions, caring responsibilities, young people aged 16 to 24, and other vulnerable groups.  
  • Barnsley CVS will lead on community outreach, helping to identify and connect with those most in need at a grassroots level.  
  • Down 2 U Physiotherapy and Green Tree Therapy will provide wraparound health and wellbeing support as part of the integrated model.

These partnerships mark a significant step forward in Barnsley’s commitment to inclusive employment support, helping residents to access the right support in the right place.

Councillor Sir Steve Houghton CBE, Leader of Barnsley Council, said: 

Born here in Barnsley and now endorsed for national rollout, we welcome the government’s announcement to extend funding for the Pathways to Work trailblazer. This investment recognises the importance of system change in breaking down barriers to opportunity. 
Pathways to Work is a borough wide mission. It’s about opening doors to opportunities so people can access the skills, support, and pathways they need to secure sustainable employment. We’re committed to making Barnsley a place where everyone can thrive with good health, good jobs, and the chance to fulfil their potential. 
We’re proud to welcome these dedicated providers to support the Pathways to Work trailblazer. Their expertise and grassroots insight will be vital in reaching those who need support most, helping them take meaningful steps to live happy, healthy, and productive lives.
Image of Cllr Sir Steve Houghton CBE Leader of Barnsley Council

A - Z of services