University of Sunderland report calls for jobs boost in area

The report, launched by the University of Sunderland, focuses on boosting job opportunities in the region’s most disadvantaged areas by improving skills and pathways into employment.

Titled Workforce Skills Research – Creating Pathways into Employment and delivering the skills workforce of tomorrow: insights from the North East of England and beyond, it was produced by the university’s Institute for Economic and Social Inclusion in partnership with economic development consultancy Kada Research Limited.

Graham Thrower pictured at the University of Sunderland (Image: David James Wood)

The report was funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and Sunderland City Council.

Professor Graham Thrower, head of the Institute for Economic and Social Inclusion, said: "The north-east is often rightly said to have great people, but sadly we are not always great with people.

"The region continues to attract global inward investment, create world class opportunities and grow its economy.

"However, there are some communities that, due to compounding factors of disadvantage, find it hard to access these life opportunities.

"For us, and I know for the North East Combined Authority (NECA) and Sunderland City Council, it is vital that we create more effective Pathways into Employment and address the barriers that many people in our region face.

"This Workforce Skills Research is an important addition to the conversation around this important challenge."

The report explores alternative approaches to tackling economic inactivity and highlights the need for inclusive job pathways, particularly for those from marginalised backgrounds.

It also identifies key barriers to creating a more inclusive labour market and sets out practical steps regions can take to better prepare workers for the changing demands of the economy.

Sam Nair, director at Kada Research, said: "Creating pathways to work and shared prosperity are challenges facing policymakers around the UK and reports like Workforce Skills Research are important for sharing knowledge about policy responses.

"Based in the north-east, we have engaged employer and community organisations across the region, as part of our work on NECA’s UKSPF and Economic Inactivity Trailblazer programmes, and see first-hand the difference they make to people and communities.

"Therefore, we are pleased to see this report being launched and contributing to the region’s policy response."

On Thursday, February 26, the University of Sunderland will host an event called Understanding the Skills Landscape at Hope Street Xchange, City Campus.

Professor Thrower will lead a discussion on how the Workforce Skills Research informs and aligns with Sunderland City Council’s approach to skills.

The full report is available to read at the Sunderland University website.