The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed a landmark partnership with LinkedIn to help jobseekers build their careers, reflecting that the 'job for life' is over. The collaboration will use anonymised data from LinkedIn's pool of 40 million UK accounts to provide the best possible data within the new Jobs and Careers Service.
How the Partnership Will Work
In the future, this data could be used by the Jobs and Careers Service to offer jobseekers more tailored advice on industry-specific skills and career routes, helping them reach their goals. The DWP will work with LinkedIn to map how people move between jobs, aiming to widen career options for individuals and help businesses look beyond traditional recruitment pools.
As the recent Skills England Annual Report found, a further 1.8 million extra jobs will be needed in priority sectors by 2035. The move has been branded a 'landmark' change.
Government and Industry Reactions
Labour Party cabinet member Pat McFadden, Secretary of State, said: 'We know young people today are far less likely than previous generations to stay in the same career for life, which is why we must give them the tools to build a fulfilling, lasting career path. This partnership with LinkedIn will give us a clearer understanding of the jobs market - what employers need, where opportunities are, and how people are building their careers, in order to boost economic growth. Together with our £2.5 billion youth employment support package, we are making sure that every young person across the country has the chance to earn or learn.'
Phil Smith, Chair of Skills England, said: 'I'm really excited about this partnership. LinkedIn has become such a hub for businesses that are recruiting and people on the look-out for jobs. The resulting insights from their anonymised data will be incredibly valuable to Skills England and the new Jobs and Careers Service - particularly when it comes to identifying local skills gaps and helping young people to fill them. We're looking forward to joining forces to make a major difference.'
Blake Lawit, Chief Global Affairs & Legal Officer of LinkedIn, said: 'Today's careers are increasingly shaped by skills, adaptability, and continuous learning. Professionals entering the workforce now are on pace to hold twice as many jobs over their careers compared to 15 years ago. As people navigate more career transitions, access to timely labour market insights is more important than ever. We're proud to be supporting the UK Government's efforts to better understand workforce trends, close talent gaps, and help more people find their next opportunity faster.'
Expert Commentary
Joe Shalam, policy director at the Centre for Social Justice, said: 'Britain cannot afford to keep writing off millions of people to long term welfare while the world becomes more dangerous. Behind these numbers are millions of people with talents and dreams who deserve the chance to gain all the advantages that come with work. We already spend more on health related benefits than the entire defence budget. Repairing broken Britain and helping people realise their potential is ultimately a matter of national security.'
