Marvin OnumonuThe Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, Paul Bristow (pictured), launched the ‘Get Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Working Plan’ at the Civic Centre in Huntingdon.
Over 60 representatives from the region attended, including leaders from the NHS, Jobcentre Plus, local councils, skills specialists and the business community.
The plan aims to help people into work by breaking down barriers to employment and is delivered in partnership with the Integrated Care Board and Job Centre Plus.
The Combined Authority set a target of 80% employment across the region.
Current employment stands at 78.1%, with more than 68,000 residents on out-of-work benefits and 22,500 inactive due to long-term sickness.
Bristow said: “I welcome this plan that will help people get into employment and support businesses with the skilled workforce they need.
“This strategy unlocks growth for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, more skills and more jobs mean more opportunity, driving stronger regional growth.
“We are sending a clear message: Cambridgeshire and Peterborough is open for business, and we are getting our people back into the heart of our economy.”
Andrea Wood, Assistant Director of Skills and Employment, said: “We believe that everyone deserves the chance to thrive, no matter their starting point.
“This initiative is about walking alongside people on their journey, breaking down the barriers that hold them back, and unlocking doors to opportunities that truly transform our communities from the inside out.”
The launch included workshops focused on making the plan work locally and discussed high inactivity rates in Fenland and Peterborough.
The strategy aims to make it easier for people to access training and jobs and to change how businesses find skilled workers.
The ‘Get Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Working Plan’ is now live and will roll out in phases, linking with the Local Growth Plan and Local Skills Improvement Plan.
