July 2026

This month, Communities that Work continues to champion the vital role that housing providers play in creating pathways into employment, skills and opportunity, while highlighting the growing importance of collaboration in tackling some of the UK's biggest social and economic challenges.

In this edition, we share updates on the Prime Minister’s resignation, his likely successor, and what these changes could mean for housing and employment policy, alongside reflections from our Managing Director, Lynsey Sweeney, on the opportunities presented by the transition to net zero and the potential of green jobs for social housing residents. We also spotlight James Howell's response to Alan Milburn's review into youth economic inactivity, making the case for housing providers to play a central role in improving opportunities for young people.

Alongside these updates, we celebrate the latest evaluation of the JobsPlus programme, which continues to demonstrate the impact of personalised employment support, welcome Lucy Dixon as Communities that Work's new Shadow Director, and showcase The Growth Company's work supporting refugees into skills, employment and community integration.

CtW Activity and Updates

Political update

This month, Keir Starmer set out a timetable for his resignation as Prime Minister and Leader of the Labour Party, beginning the process of selecting his successor.

Under the proposed timeline, nominations would open on the 9^th of July and close by the summer recess on the 16^th of July. If only one candidate secures the required support, a new Labour leader, could be appointed shortly afterwards. Starmer is expected to remain in post until his successor is formally appointed.

Any candidate seeking to stand will need the support of at least 20% of Labour MPs, which currently equates to 81 MPs. Once an MP has nominated a candidate, they cannot switch their support unless that candidate withdraws from the contest. Candidates who pass this threshold must then confirm acceptance of their nomination with Labour’s General Secretary, Holly Ridley.

If more than one candidate reaches the ballot stage, the contest will move to a vote of Labour members and affiliated union members over the summer, with a new leader expected to be in place before Parliament returns on 1 September. Labour uses an alternative vote system, meaning candidates are ranked by preference and a candidate must secure more than 50% of the vote to win.

Andy Burnham, now back in Westminster, has confirmed his intention to stand and is currently seen as the frontrunner. At this stage, it remains unclear whether he will face a challenger. Wes Streeting has confirmed that he would support Burnham’s candidacy, despite previously being viewed as a potential leadership contender.

Some Labour MPs have expressed a preference for a competitive process, arguing that a contest would allow Burnham’s ideas, priorities and policy platform to be properly scrutinised before he enters Downing Street.

A full reshuffle is expected once the new Prime Minister is in post, with implications across government departments and policy priorities likely to become clearer over the coming weeks.

With Burnham now in post as the MP for Makerfield, a by-election to elect the new Greater Manchester Mayor will take place on the 30^th July 2026. The successful candidate will serve until the next scheduled mayoral election in May 2028.

The confirmed candidates are Bev Craig for Labour, Sian Astley for Reform UK, Geraldine Coggins for the Green Party, Phil Eckersley for the Conservatives, Richard Kilpatrick for the Liberal Democrats and Marlon West for Restore Britain.

Building greener homes and stronger communities through green jobs

This month, our Managing Director, Lynsey Sweeney, has been featured in Politics.co.uk where she shares her perspective on how investment in retrofit can do more than improve homes, creating meaningful pathways into sustainable jobs, training and long-term employment for social housing residents.

In the article, Lynsey explores the opportunity presented by the Warm Homes Plan and the wider transition to net zero. As the UK works to make homes warmer, greener and more energy efficient, there is a growing need to develop the skilled workforce required to deliver retrofit at scale. This includes roles across installation, maintenance, advice, assessment and project delivery - many of which could provide valuable routes into what are often described as green collar jobs.

The article highlights the importance of collaboration between housing providers, government, training organisations, employers and local communities. Delivering the Warm Homes Plan will require more than funding and technical expertise; it will require a shared commitment to ensuring that the benefits of retrofit are felt by the people and places at the heart of social housing.

Read Lynsey’s full article in Politics UK here:

https://www.politics.co.uk/opinion-former/press-release/2026/06/08/building-greener-homes-and-stronger-communities-why-social-housing-residents-must-benefit-from-green-collar-jobs/

Housing must play a central role in improving opportunities for young people

Congratulations to our Board Director, James Howell, on his latest article for Housing Today, where he responds to Alan Milburn’s recent review into the growing number of young people not in education, employment or training.

In the article, James makes a compelling case for why the housing sector must be at the heart of efforts to improve opportunities and outcomes for young people. With many young people facing complex barriers to employment, education and training, housing providers are uniquely placed to offer support that reaches beyond bricks and mortar.

James’s piece is a reminder that tackling youth unemployment and economic inactivity requires a joined-up approach. Housing providers have an important contribution to make, not only by providing safe and secure homes, but by supporting the wider conditions that allow people and communities to thrive.

Read James’s full article in Housing Today here:

https://www.housingtoday.co.uk/milburns-report-on-neets-should-be-a-call-to-arms-for-housing/5142460.article

The JobsPlus Evaluation report

We are delighted to share the latest evaluation of the JobsPlus pilot programme, which provides further evidence of the programme’s effectiveness in supporting people into sustainable employment. The report can be read in full here.

The evaluation shows that employment outcomes increased significantly over the reporting period, rising from 18% in September 2025 to 27% by December 2025. Among participants who were out of work when they joined the programme, 29% had moved into employment by the end of the period.

The findings also highlight the complex barriers many JobsPlus participants face when moving towards work. For many, progress is gradual and non-linear. The report shows that improvements in confidence, wellbeing, skills and job readiness are important steps towards sustained employment, and should be recognised as meaningful outcomes in their own right.

The evaluation further reinforces the importance of personalised support delivered over a longer period. Participants who secured employment demonstrated strong rates of job retention, with many remaining in work for three to six months after entering employment. This underlines the value of continued engagement and tailored support in helping individuals not only access work, but also build long-term careers.

https://www.employment-studies.co.uk/resource/evaluation-of-the-jobsplus-pilot/

Welcoming Lucy Dixon as Shadow Director for Communities that Work

We are delighted to welcome Lucy Dixon as the newly appointed Shadow Director for Communities that Work.

Lucy is Head of External Affairs at Karbon Homes, where she brings extensive experience in communications, public affairs and stakeholder engagement. She also leads on communications and public affairs for the North East Housing Partnership and is a member of the North East Chamber of Commerce Regional Council.

Lucy has more than 20 years’ experience in communications, marketing and public affairs across the voluntary and public sectors, including eight years in social housing. Her previous roles include leading regional campaigns at sight loss charity RNIB and working in communications at the British Red Cross.

Her experience across housing, the voluntary sector and public affairs will bring valuable insight to Communities that Work, particularly as we continue to champion the role of social housing providers in supporting employment, skills and opportunity.

We look forward to working with Lucy and benefiting from her expertise as she takes on this important role.

We are delighted to feature the Torus Foundation in this month’s Spotlight. Based in the heart of the NW, they highlight here the approach, the impact and the future of their employment and resilience support for local people; truly inspiring work.

Torus Foundation: Building Fairer Futures through Housing, Skills and Holistic Support

Torus Foundation, the charitable arm of Torus Group, supports residents across Liverpool City Region, Warrington and Cheshire to build skills, find work and improve wellbeing. Guided by local priorities and the Marmot principles Fairer Healthier Accreditation , its programmes reduce inequalities by improving access to good work, financial stability and health support.

A Whole-System Approach

The Foundation’s model integrates employment, skills, financial resilience, and wellbeing support. Residents are not just helped into jobs; they’re supported to overcome barriers that prevent sustainable progress.

• Employment and Skills: Tailored one-to-one coaching, confidence building, and accredited training.
• Financial Wellbeing: Energy advice, debt support, and access to hardship funds.
•       Health and Community: Social prescribing, wellbeing activities, and volunteering

In 2025 - 2026, 1,083 people received individual, bespoke information, advice and career guidance from Torus Foundation’s dedicated employment advisors, helping them take confident steps towards work and training.

435 people gained new skills through targeted training programmes, and 54 residents developed valuable experience and practical skills through volunteering and work placements, strengthening their confidence and community connections.

Overall, 368 people were supported into new jobs, including 15 who began apprenticeships, demonstrating the Foundation’s commitment to creating inclusive pathways into employment.

Resident Story: Bex’s Journey Back to Work

“I felt lost after being out of work for a year. The team helped me rebuild my confidence and find something that fits my life.”

Bex visited a Torus Foundation NeighbourHub in St Helens. After a period of poor health, she wanted support to find work that complemented her volunteering and horticulture interests. Through personalised support and wellbeing sessions, Bex regained confidence and secured a flexible role that supports her recovery and independence.

Looking Ahead

Torus Foundation continues to expand and strengthen partnerships with local authorities, colleges and employers to create inclusive pathways into work, particularly in emerging sectors such as green construction and retrofit. By embedding Marmot principles into every programme, the Foundation ensures that housing investment also builds healthier, fairer communities and supports residents to thrive in a changing economy.

Almost 180 more Youth Hubs to help young people build skills and find jobs, 15 June

The Government has confirmed the locations of almost 180 new Youth Hubs, aimed at providing young people across the country with employment, education or training support. From football clubs to colleges and libraries, the hubs bring together local mental health and housing support, skills and training opportunities as well as careers guidance and work opportunities with links to local employers with live job and apprenticeship opportunities. This rollout forms part of a national expansion of Youth Hubs to over 360 areas with the aim that a young person is no more than one hour away from a Youth Hub by public transport.

Homebuying shake-up to slash delays, cut costs and stop sales falling through, 18 June

Under major reforms unveiled by government, buying and selling a home is set to become faster, cheaper and less stressful. New changes include new earlier binding agreements to stop parties walking away months into negotiations without legitimate reason, and a new Code of Practice to raise standards for estate agents. Both sellers and agents will also have to provide key information upfront in ‘sales packs’ at the point of listing. Government claim this will save first-time buyers an average of £650 and cut homebuying times by around four weeks, and stop deals falling through at the last minute.

Thousands more out-of-work benefit claimants to get personalised support , 26 June

The Government have announced the rollout of Support Conversations across an additional 27 Jobcentres, taking the total number of sites to 33. This scheme is aimed at providing disabled people and those with health conditions on out of work benefits with one-to-one, voluntary, hour-long conversations to discuss their support needs and identify extra help. This support is personalised and could link people to help with their health, debt, skills, employment and housing. Support Conversations are delivered by Healthcare Professionals, Pathways to Work Advisers, and Disability Employment Advisers, and are available face to face, by video, or by telephone.

Funding for businesses who give youngsters a chance as Government ramps up youth jobs drive , 29 June

Businesses are now able to access the new Youth Jobs Grant, which will pay £3,000 for every eligible young person they hire, helping thousands more young people to take the first step in their career. The Government claim that the grant will help up to 60,000 people aged 18-24 into work over the next three years. To apply for the grant, employers simply complete a straightforward application and will receive funding in two instalments once employment and earnings have been verified by DWP. Young people with health conditions and disabilities can join the scheme, and all participants receive pre-employment support and training, both for the specific role and in soft skills such as confident speaking and time management.

Centre for Cities, 13 July

Devolution and fiscal devolution with Sir Andy Street CBE

Join Centre for Cities for an online discussion with Sir Andy Street CBE, former Mayor of the West Midlands, and Andrew Carter, Chief Executive of Centre for Cities.

Drawing on his experience leading one of England’s largest city regions, Sir Andy will discuss the progress of devolution in England, the challenges and opportunities ahead, and the case for greater fiscal devolution. The conversation will explore how devolved powers and funding can support economic growth, improve public services and strengthen local leadership.

Learning and Work Institute, 14 July

Delivering effective local health and employment programmes: Lessons from the evidence

This webinar will bring together speakers from local and regional government, delivery organisations and partner bodies to share practical lessons on designing, delivering and evaluating effective health and employment support. The discussion will explore challenges, successes, and emerging priorities for local areas.

Lancaster University, 14 July

In limbo? The experiences of zero-hour contract workers

Join the Work Foundation at Lancaster University to discuss new research and how different policy choices could shape the future of work for the zero-hour contract workers.The UK Government came into office pledging to end one-sided flexibility by banning 'exploitative' zero-hour contracts. The Employment Rights Act 2025 will introduce new rights to guaranteed hours, reasonable notice of shifts, and compensation when shifts are cancelled, moved or curtailed at short notice. The Government is currently consulting on how these measures will operate in practice before they come into force in 2027.

Centre for Cities, 16 July

The role of regeneration in driving growth

Major regeneration projects can play a key role in driving economic growth, attracting private investment and transforming urban economies. This online discussion will explore how cities can deliver ambitious regeneration schemes, the conditions needed to secure investment, and the support required from the Government to make these projects succeed