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Minister unveils new plan to get more people in Wales into work
A new Welsh Government plan to help more people in Wales to find and stay in work has been unveiled by Economy Minister Vaughan Gething .
The new plan for employability and skills sets out the actions Ministers will take to deliver the Young Persons Guarantee , support people furthest away from the labour market to find work – and focus on improving labour market outcomes for disabled people , Black , Asian , and minority ethnic people , women and those with low skills .
It also sets out measures to help people stay in work , through raising skills levels and preventing people from not taking up work or falling out of employment because of a health condition .
The plan states that the Welsh Government will expand rapid access to occupational therapy support by increasing investment to extend in-work support and communitybased rehabilitation for people across Wales , to help them return or remain in work or self-employment by managing their conditions or symptoms .
On launching the plan , Mr Gething said it will help pave the way for a fairer , more equitable Wales , where nobody is left behind or held back , helping to change people ’ s lives for the better .
Through the plan , we want to lift people out of poverty and help everyone – particularly those furthest from the labour market ...”
‘ Through the plan , we want to lift people out of poverty and help everyone – particularly those furthest from the labour market – to navigate and respond to the workrelated challenges they will face throughout their lives , whether that is through training , retraining , upskilling , changing career or starting a business ,’ he said .
‘ It will build on the significant labour market and skills improvement in Wales since publication of the last plan in 2018 . It will also help us meet the skills required by Welsh businesses by driving workforce diversity , making the most of our talent in Wales , and shaping an economy that works for everyone .’
Dai Davies , RCOT Professional Practice Lead – Wales told OTnews : ‘ We have some fantastic occupational therapists in work support services in Wales , and it ’ s great to see the Welsh Government commitment to their future .’
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April 2022 OTnews 11