EAST Sussex County Council, Brighton & Hove City Council, and West Sussex County Council have launched the Get Sussex Working Plan – a bold strategy to boost employment, tackle inequalities and build a thriving local economy.
The plan, which responds to the government’s Get Britain Working white paper, has been welcomed by The Right Honourable Pat McFadden MP, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions.
The initiative has been co-designed by a partnership comprising the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and the Sussex Chamber of Commerce.
Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Pat McFadden, said: “We want to make sure everyone across the country has the chance to get on in life and employment is key to this.
“The Get Sussex Working Plan is a great example of bringing together the local expertise of councils, employers and health services to break down barriers to work and help more people into good jobs.
“This is good for local people and for the whole country as we create opportunity and drive economic growth as part of our Plan for Change.”
The Get Sussex Working Plan sets out 6 strategic ambitions to help residents access good jobs and develop new skills for employment. It aims to create a dynamic workforce, supported by integrated services across employment, health, post-16 education and skills.
It has been drafted in collaboration with more than 200 stakeholders across Sussex, including local employers, community organisations and people who access employment support services, drawing on a comprehensive data-mapping exercise.
The plan addresses key challenges facing Sussex communities, such as economic inactivity and health-related barriers to work, skills shortages and unequal access to opportunity.
A collaborative, place-based approach is central to delivering the plan’s vision of a dynamic Sussex economy, where all residents are empowered to aspire and to develop the skills they need to access meaningful employment.
The plan identifies priority groups for support, including:
- young people not in education, employment or training (NEET)
- unemployed adults
- residents with a disability or long-term health condition
- global majority communities
- migrants and refugees
- parents and unpaid carers
- adults with low skill levels and low incomes
Councillor Penny di Cara, Lead Member for Economy at East Sussex County Council, said: “The Get Sussex Working Plan identifies a wide variety of actions that can be jointly owned by stakeholders working in health, learning and employment across the county. It advocates areas for investment by the new Mayoral Combined County Authority, which will ultimately be accountable for the delivery of the plan to ensure it meets the evolving needs of local people and businesses.”
Councillor Emma Daniel, Brighton & Hove City Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Youth Services, said: “This is a landmark moment for Sussex. By working together, we can break down barriers to employment, support people into good jobs and ensure no one is left behind. The Get Sussex Working Plan is about creating real opportunities for residents and building a fairer, more prosperous future for all.”
Councillor Garry Wall, Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills at West Sussex County Council, said: “The Get Sussex Working Plan is a long-term commitment to creating opportunities and tackling barriers to employment across our county. The plan will roll out over the next 10 years, with ongoing reviews to keep it aligned with the shifting priorities of local communities and employers. This collaborative approach supports our wider Economic Strategy for West Sussex, from building an inclusive, dynamic and skilled workforce to boosting productivity and innovation.”