Starting the job
Think tank: Centre for Cities
Author(s): Maxwell Read; Ant Breach
November 11, 2026
This report from UK think tank Centre for Cities examines how devolving employment support could fix the current system.
The Government has promised to rewire the state, recognising that the centralisation of power in Westminster is a barrier to growth.
In few policy areas is this recognised as widely as in employment support. Starting the job examines how devolving employment support could fix the system. Mayors have a better understanding of the needs of local labour markets and can integrate employment support with local economic development. Devolving employment support has been a key demand from mayors, and programmes such as Greater Manchester’s Working Well scheme have shown potential to help participants spend longer in employment.
This report sets out principles for good employment support devolution.
