Councils join forces to launch Get Marches Working plan

Telford & Wrekin Council, Shropshire Council and Herefordshire Council have joined forces to launch the Get Marches Working Plan, a bold and collaborative initiative designed to help more people across the Marches access good jobs, training, and opportunities.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has initiated this plan to meet the changing needs of our workforce and communities.

Regional partners, including the Integrated Care Board (ICB), Jobcentre Plus (JCP), voluntary and community sector organisations (VCSE), local employers and further and higher education providers (FE and HE), have collaborated to shape a plan which highlights the challenges across the region and the actions needed to tackle them.

The Marches faces rising economic inactivity and skills gaps in key sectors and the Get Marches Working Plan sets out a clear vision - to create an inclusive, dynamic labour market that helps people into sustainable employment.

The plan aligns employer-led initiatives with training provision, strengthens links between schools and businesses and delivers employability support within community services to unlock new pathways into work.

Each local authority, Telford & Wrekin, Shropshire and Herefordshire, will now deliver its own action plan tailored to the needs of its residents and businesses.

Employers, training providers and community organisations are invited to get involved and help shape the plans to make the Marches a place where everyone has the chance to succeed.

These plans prioritise support for groups facing barriers to employment, including disadvantaged young people, disabled adults, people with health conditions and those with caring responsibilities.

Formal governance arrangements will oversee delivery, and regular reviews will ensure the plan delivers meaningful improvements for people and employers across the Marches.

This collaborative approach enables the region to respond quickly and flexibly to changing labour market conditions, keeping communities resilient in the face of economic challenges.

Councillor Shirley Reynolds, Telford & Wrekin Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Young People, Education, Employment & Skills, said: “It’s essential that people learn new skills and have access to a wide range of employment opportunities in Telford and Wrekin and across the region.

“This plan is a positive step to tackle some of the challenges which people face locally and support them with the skills they need to fill any skills gaps.

“We’re pleased to be working in partnership with other local authorities - ensuring that people have the best job and training opportunities close to where they live.”