Posted on Friday 3rd October 2025
Martin Murray
Thousands of people from across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent will be supported into meaningful employment as part of a long-term plan launched by the county council and a range of partners.
The Get Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Working Plan aims to increase employment, tackle economic inactivity and create opportunities for all residents – no matter what qualifications they have or other perceived barriers.
It is the local strategy which will form part of the national Get Britain Working programme which sets out to achieve an 80 per cent employment rate across the UK. In Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, this would mean helping at least 11,000 more residents into employment and potentially many more when addressing inequalities across different communities and groups.
While Staffordshire County Council is the accountable body, the plan is being developed with Stoke-on-Trent City Council, Jobcentre Plus and the Integrated Care Board. This is in addition to a wide range of partners including district and borough councils, voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations, education and skills providers and employer and business representative groups
The plan has been approved by all council leaders, Jobcentre Plus and the Integrated Care Board and will be delivered over a ten-year period from 2025 to 2035.
Its vision is to create a more inclusive, resilient and enterprising economy. The strategy recognises that while Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent perform well overall, there are pockets of significant economic challenge. These include high levels of economic inactivity due to long-term health conditions, low skills, and barriers such as poor transport and housing.
The plan will aim to reach and support several groups including:
- People with long-term health conditions
- Disadvantaged young people (aged 16–24) who are NEET
- Those experiencing mental health issues who are in work
- Workers aged 50 to 64
- People with disabilities facing employment barriers
- Women – particularly those affected by childcare responsibilities
- Residents in priority areas and communities facing deprivation
This starts now with the Government’s Connect to Work programme, supporting over 5,300 people locally with a £19 million investment over five years.
Martin Murray, Staffordshire County Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for economy and skills said:
This plan is about creating real opportunities for people across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent for the next decade. By working together across health, skills and employment, we can help residents overcome perceived barriers, raise aspirations and build a stronger, more inclusive economy here at the beating heart of the country. As a county council it is a priority to us to ensure everyone in Staffordshire can achieve their full potential, with the positive impact that will bring to our communities.”
The plan will be developed further over the next 24 months with ongoing consultation and data analysis.
People can find out more by visiting the Get Britain Working Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent webpage.