New research says that devolving welfare to work policy to local government would be an important step
towards the Government achieving its target of having 80 per cent of people in employment. The study from the New Local Government Network has looked in detail at what is being done by Kent County Council to cut the number of those out of work and it praises the authority’s pioneering approach. 

Social landlords are to play a bigger part in tackling crime and anti-social behaviour on housing estates. The Communities Secretary, Hazel Blears, is giving housing associations new guidance on improving involvement with Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships to assist landlords in dealing with problems such as drinking in public, youth gangs, truancy and drug taking. 

Demographic changes, skills shortages and recent UK legislation on age are having an effect on employment. Research from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development highlights the importance for employers to address the challenges presented by an ageing workforce to recruit, retain and engage talent.