Blackpool supported employment service scored ‘Exemplary’ after helping 800+ into work

The rating reflects the effectiveness of the local Individual Placement and Support (IPS) service, which works with residents facing barriers to employment, including mental health conditions and long-term disadvantage.

The IPS service operates through a partnership between Blackpool Council and local health services. It provides one-to-one, tailored support for people aged 16 and over who want to find and keep work. Employment specialists help with job searches, CVs, interview preparation, employer engagement and in-work support, ensuring that roles are matched to individual skills, needs and ambitions.

Helping more than 800 people into employment is a major milestone in a town where economic inactivity remains higher than the national average. Many of those supported by the service have previously struggled to access the labour market, and securing paid work can have a significant impact on income, confidence and overall wellbeing.

The ‘Exemplary’ rating is based on national IPS quality standards, which assess how closely services follow evidence-based best practice. Achieving the highest rating indicates strong outcomes, effective partnership working and a consistent focus on placing people into competitive, paid employment rather than short-term or sheltered roles.

This success comes against a complex national labour market backdrop. Across the UK, job vacancies have stabilised at around 729,000, according to the most recent Office for National Statistics data, while regular pay growth has continued at about 4.6 per cent.

Employers remain cautious but are still recruiting, particularly where skills shortages persist.

One factor helping supported employment services deliver results is the continued growth of remote and hybrid working. Around 40 per cent of UK workers now work remotely or in a hybrid arrangement at least some of the time. This shift has opened up new opportunities for people who may find daily commuting difficult due to health, mobility or caring responsibilities.

For some Blackpool residents supported by the IPS service, remote or hybrid roles have made employment more realistic. Being able to work from home or reduce travel time can make the difference between being excluded from work and being able to sustain a job long term. It also allows local job seekers to access roles with employers based elsewhere in the UK while remaining in Blackpool.

Alongside remote working, wider labour market trends such as international recruitment also shape the environment in which local services operate. Nationally, employers continue to recruit workers from abroad to fill gaps in sectors like health and social care, hospitality, logistics and technology. While the Blackpool IPS service focuses on supporting local residents, overseas hiring can ease pressure in some sectors and help stabilise the wider jobs market, indirectly benefiting local employment prospects.

For employers in Blackpool, working with a supported employment service can help fill vacancies while also promoting inclusive hiring. Matching candidates carefully to roles, providing ongoing support and addressing workplace adjustments can improve retention and productivity, benefiting both employees and businesses.

For the individuals supported, the impact goes beyond employment figures. Paid work can improve mental health, reduce reliance on benefits and increase social connection. The success of the Blackpool service demonstrates how targeted, well-resourced support can help people overcome long-standing barriers to work.

As labour markets continue to evolve through flexible working and global hiring trends, Blackpool’s ‘Exemplary’ rated supported employment service offers a strong example of how local initiatives can deliver meaningful results. Helping more than 800 people into work is not only a measure of success for the service, but a positive signal for inclusive growth and opportunity across the town.