As the UK economy continues to evolve, sectors are experiencing different levels of growth, change, and challenge.
For employers, this means navigating shifting workforce demands while building skilled, inclusive, and resilient teams.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) offers a comprehensive range of free employer-facing services to support recruitment, training, and workforce development.
Whether expanding operations, opening new sites, or diversifying hiring practices, DWP provides practical tools and expert guidance.
How DWP supports employers
DWP provides a suite of free programmes and services to help employers recruit and upskill staff efficiently.
Employers can access support through local teams, which includes assistance to create job adverts, use of local Jobcentre facilities for interviews (where space is available) and opportunities to attend local job fairs.
Alongside this DWP provide a suite of programmes which include
Sector-based Work Academy Programmes (SWAPs) and the Wales Skills to Employment Pathway (WSEP) offer pre-employment training tailored to industry needs, ensuring candidates are equipped with relevant skills before starting work.
SWAPs offer businesses the opportunity to trial a candidate that has received relevant training in a role and if they are a match, hire them through a guaranteed interview.
Work Experience placements and Work Trials allow employers to assess candidates in real-world settings, improving hiring outcomes and retention.
These programmes are flexible, cost-effective, and adaptable to a wide range of roles, from technical to customer-facing positions. Employers can collaborate with local Jobcentres to tailor recruitment and training efforts to meet specific business needs.
DWP also supports inclusive hiring practices. The Disability Confident scheme helps organisations attract and retain disabled talent, while Jobcentre partnerships enable outreach to underrepresented groups. These initiatives promote workforce diversity and contribute to broader social impact.
Employers can advertise vacancies through Find a Job, a free online platform that reaches thousands of jobseekers daily. This service complements DWP’s local and national support, helping employers connect with candidates quickly and effectively.
For more tailored support, employers can contact the Employer Services Line for expert advice and labour market insights. The Employer Services Line can link you with Jobcentre Plus teams across the UK, helping you tap into a diverse pool of candidates and community networks.
Organisations with complex recruitment needs—such as large-scale hiring or multi-site expansion—can reach out to the DWP Strategic Relationship Team for bespoke assistance.
Contact: srt.newbusiness@dwp.gov.uk
As industries adapt to meet future demands, the need for skilled, diverse, and resilient workforces continues to grow. DWP offers strategic support to help employers recruit, train, and build inclusive teams.
Through the free programmes, partnerships, and platforms, employers can access free practical tools to strengthen workforce capability and community engagement.
You can find out more about how DWP can support you by visiting How Jobcentre Plus can help employers.
If you have any additional questions, please contact partnership.networkandprojectteam@dwp.gov.uk
