With Benefit‑to‑Work Rates Falling, M3 Job Club Shows How Targeted Support Helps Mid‑Career Professionals Back into Work

A sharp fall in the number of benefit claimants moving into work mirrors the challenges faced by mid‑ and late‑career professionals in the South East, reinforcing why targeted, skills‑focused support such as the M3 Job Club is increasingly vital.

The Telegraph reports that the proportion of people on benefits moving into work has dropped to its lowest level in seven years. Government data shows a marked slowdown in the rate at which Universal Credit claimants transition into employment, raising concerns about labour market stagnation and the effectiveness of current welfare‑to‑work interventions. (source : https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2026/01/30/number-of-benefits-claimants-moving-into-work-falls/ )

In short, using data from the article
Only 6.9% of benefit claimants moved into work each month on average between January and September 2025.
This is the lowest rate since 2019.

Integrated analysis with M3 Job Club data
The national picture of declining movement from welfare into work aligns closely with the lived experience of mid‑career and senior professionals in the M3 corridor. The club’s latest survey highlights both the scale of need and the measurable impact of structured, community‑based employability support.

Who we support
M3 Job Club serves mid‑career and senior professionals facing redundancy, unemployment or career transition. Survey data shows a strong concentration in the age groups most affected by age bias and shifting recruitment practices:

• 51–60: ~45%
• 61–65: ~20%
• 46–50: ~15%

Over 70% of respondents are aged 46–65

Attendance and engagement

• 85%+ of job‑seeking members attend weekly sessions
• Fewer than 10% of employed members continue contributing

Employment outcomes
A recent survey of M3 Job Club members shows, that from the respondents, among members who have left the club:

• ~55% full‑time employment
• ~10% part‑time employment
• ~5% self‑employment
• ~30% still seeking work

Over 50% of those now employed credit the club with helping secure their role

Hidden timelines of unemployment
Support is often sought late, compounding barriers:

• 15% seek help immediately
• 41% wait 3 months or more
• ~20% wait over 6 months
• ~10% wait a year
• 3% wait two years or more

Duration out of similar work:

• Nearly 50% out for 6–12 months or more
• ~20% for 9–12 months
• 15% for over a year
• ~10% for more than two years
• Only 20% return to similar‑level roles

Demand for support

• 244 active members
• 71 prospective members
• 147 new joiners since March, reflecting a 123% increase, plus 24 additional new members in January alone, averaging 5 new joiners a week.

This week at M3JC: Member job‑search activity
This week’s session recorded a strong level of job‑search activity, including job offers, interviews scheduled and follow‑ups from previous applications. Ten members provided updates, including two new joiners and eight with active job‑related developments.
Age‑group analysis of activity

• 50–55: 75%
• 45–50: 12.5%
• 35–40: 12.5%

This closely mirrors the club’s wider demographic profile and reinforces the fact that professionals aged 50–55 remain both highly engaged and disproportionately affected by barriers to re‑employment.
Outcomes reported

• 3 members secured jobs
• 4 members have interviews scheduled
• 1 member progressed to a second interview

These updates demonstrate active momentum and underline the club’s role in helping members move forward, even in a challenging labour market.

Structural implications
The combined national and local data highlights systemic barriers rather than individual shortcomings. It underscores the need for employers to embed age inclusion within D&I, ESG and responsible business strategies. The club’s evidence shows the consequences of delayed support:

• Erosion of confidence
• Skills mismatch
• Increased isolation
• Reduced access to opportunity

Overall insight
The national decline in benefit‑to‑work transitions underscores a wider labour market challenge: experienced professionals are struggling to re‑enter work at pace and at level. M3 Job Club’s data demonstrates that targeted, structured, community‑based support can materially improve outcomes, rebuild confidence and shorten the journey back to meaningful employment.