New support service for Greater Manchester workers to improve job security and career progression

• Thousands of people across Greater Manchester to receive free, personalised support to boost their skills and achieve their potential 

• In Work Progression service will provide coaching and practical advice for people in low-paid or insecure jobs 

• New programme helping to deliver Greater Manchester’s Live Well mission to tackle inequalities through community-based support 

A new service is now available across Greater Manchester, offering free one-to-one support to help people take the next step in work - from finding local job opportunities to building confidence, boosting skills, and overcoming practical barriers. 

The In Work Progression service is aimed at people in low-paid or insecure jobs, for example, those on low pay, claiming benefits while working, in zero-hours contracts, or in roles that don’t make full use of their skills and experience. It provides tailored support to help them maximise their potential and access better-quality employment. 

The service is free, voluntary, and open to anyone aged 18 or over who currently lives or works in Greater Manchester. Participants receive tailored, individual support including information and advice around opportunities in their current job or a new job, coaching to help overcome barriers to progressing in their careers, and practical support such as applying for new roles and accessing skills or training courses. Support is available until January 2027. 

The service supports Greater Manchester’s Live Well approach, helping to deliver on the city region’s ambition to offer everyday support around work, health, housing and wellbeing in every neighbourhood. It directly contributes to our shared goal of reducing inequalities, supporting people in low-paid or insecure work to thrive, not just survive.  

Greater Manchester is the UK’s fastest growing economy. By helping people stay in work, progress in their careers and increase their income, the service supports efforts to reduce in-work poverty, close the gap between the city region and national employment rates, and ensure everyone here can share in Greater Manchester’s economic success. 

The In Work Progression service builds on the success of Working Well, which has already helped thousands of Greater Manchester residents stay in or move into work. The service is delivered locally across all ten Greater Manchester boroughs, through councils working in partnership with local employment and skills providers. 

Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said:

“In Greater Manchester we believe everyone should get the support they need to thrive. But too many people are stuck in jobs that don’t pay the bills and don’t reflect their potential. In Work Progression is about changing that. It’s about backing our residents with the support they need to move forward - whether that’s growing skills and experience, gaining greater job security, or work that’s better paid. It also shows what our Live Well approach is all about: practical, joined-up support, embedded in neighbourhoods, that gets to the root causes of the challenges communities face." 

Real stories from local people 

An early pilot of the In Work Progression service has already supported people across the city region to gain new skills, move into better jobs, and increase their income.  

Now, the service is being rolled out in every borough, offering more people access to personalised guidance that’s built around their goals whether that’s switching careers, boosting confidence, or overcoming practical challenges to progressing in their job. 

Pamela Hodson – From juggling three jobs to building a new career 

“I was working three part-time jobs, school transport driver, personal assistant and some cleaning work and still struggling to pay the bills. It felt like I was constantly running but getting nowhere. I was referred to the In Work Progression service team in Tameside, and that’s when things started to shift. 

“They helped me take a proper look at my skills and what I had to offer, which I hadn’t done in years. I got support with rewriting my CV, and my coach helped me practise for interviews. Most importantly, they helped me believe I could go for something better.  

“Now I’m in a permanent role as a personal assistant, supporting several children and young adults. It’s stable, meaningful work that gives me a real sense of purpose. I can finally breathe and start planning for the future, something I couldn’t even think about before.” 

Jay – A new direction with help from Ambition Manchester, Manchester’s local delivery team  

“I’d been working freelance in creative roles but ended up in a job that didn’t reflect what I was capable of. I lost a lot of confidence and didn’t know where to start looking for something better. Ambition Manchester helped me focus, I worked with someone who understood my background and what I wanted to do. 

“We looked at roles that fit my experience and they supported me through the whole process, rewriting my CV, practising interview questions, and just encouraging me to go for it. 

“I’ve now secured a full-time job as a Live Chat Support Specialist. It’s a proper reset for me. I feel more motivated, more confident and actually excited about what comes next.” 

Who can use the service? 

The In Work Progression service is open to anyone aged 18 or over who is currently in work, who lives or works in Greater Manchester, and has the legal right to work in the UK.  

It is designed for people who are on low pay, claiming benefits while working, in jobs that don’t use their full skills, or in insecure work such as zero-hours contracts. 

The service is free, voluntary, and available across all ten Greater Manchester councils. People can sign up themselves or be referred by an employer, GP, or community organisation. 

How to get support 

For further information, visit In Work Progression - Greater Manchester Combined Authority 

In Work Progression is delivered locally by Greater Manchester’s ten local councils. Residents can get more information and arrange an appointment with an advisor in their area using the relevant details: 

• Bolton: getboltonworking@bolton.gov.uk / 01204 338 981 

• Bury: progressioninwork@bury.gov.uk 

• Manchester: contact via Ambition Manchester | Manchester Adult Education 

• Oldham: getoldhamworking@oldham.gov.uk / 0161 770 4674 

• Rochdale: JobsAndSkills@rochdale.gov.uk / 01706 926 657 

• Salford: employment.hub@salford.gov.uk  

• Stockport: workandskills@stockport.gov.uk 

• Tameside: tamesideinwork@tameside.gov.uk / 07518 299 713 

• Trafford: traffordinwork@trafford.gov.uk 

• Wigan: InWorkProgression@wigan.gov.uk 

Notes to Editors

1. Pamela Hodson, featured in this press release, is available for interview. 
2. Jay’s name has been changed to protect individual’s identity. 
3. About Live Well: Greater Manchester’s Live Well approach aims to improve health and reduce inequality by changing how public services work. It ensures that everyone can access the support they need to lead healthier, better lives. 
4. About Working Well: The Working Well programme has been supporting Greater Manchester residents since devolution. It includes WorkWell, which helps people stay in work if they have health issues, and In Work Progression, which helps people in low-paid jobs advance their careers and earn more. 

Article Published: 06/08/2025 15:07 PM