The UK government announced a new employment-support program modeled on a Dutch system to be rolled out across Britain [1], [2].

The initiative aims to reduce long-term unemployment by adopting a proven international framework. By targeting vulnerable groups, the government seeks to stabilize the labor market and increase workforce participation.

Chris Philp, Minister for Employment, said the government is introducing a proven Dutch model that will give people the support they need to get back into work and stay there [1]. The program is designed to provide intensive guidance for those who have struggled to find placement in the traditional job market.

Financial records indicate that the government has allocated £150 million [1] for the first year of the program. This funding will support the initial phase of the rollout, which is expected to target 200,000 unemployed people [1].

The announcement comes as the government faces pressure to address gaps in employment for specific demographics. Rachel Reeves, Labour Shadow Chancellor, said the rollout of Dutch-style employment support is a welcome step, but the government must ensure it reaches women and other vulnerable groups [2].

The program will be implemented across the U.S. and United Kingdom, utilizing existing infrastructure to deliver the new support model [1]. Officials believe the Dutch approach—which emphasizes personalized coaching and active labor market policies—will provide a more sustainable path to employment than previous schemes [1], [2].

“We are introducing a proven Dutch model that will give people the support they need to get back into work and stay there.”

The adoption of a Dutch-style model signals a shift toward more personalized, intensive intervention in the UK's welfare-to-work strategy. By focusing on a specific target of 200,000 people with a dedicated £150 million budget, the government is testing whether a high-support, high-cost European model can effectively lower long-term unemployment rates in the British economy.