A new 'Work & Skills' initiative is needed for people who are long-term unemployed. Next year there could be between 1 to 1.6 million people who have been out of work for 12 months or more. This could be the highest since the 1980s and will have drastic implications for families and whole communities across the United Kingdom (UK). There needs to be a universal offer for all long-term unemployed people introduced in 2021. The proposed universal offer is: (1) Personal advice and guidance on jobs, careers and skills; (2) Intensive job search support from a personal advisor; (3) Up to 12 months in activities that will build employability as part of a clear plan to find a job; (4) A subsidy to employers that may recruit employees; and (5) A bonus payment for employees that get a job and stay in employment. The three-stage plan to implement 'Work & Skills' is based on Prevention, Provision and Perseverance. Around £2.5 billion will be needed in 2021-22 to provide the services to get long-term unemployed people back into work and boost skills. The successes and failures of previous programmes can help inform the design of new services. However, past evidence does not always help to prepare for future challenges and the unique combination of circumstances the UK currently faces.