Overall, the Staffordshire & Stoke-on-Trent labour market is comparatively strong with local employment, unemployment and economic inactivity rates all better than those seen regionally and nationally. However, we recognise that there is variation at lower geographical levels, this is evident in the chart below for employment rate:

Staffordshire & Stoke-on-Trent’s employment rate estimated at 78.4% and would require an additional 11,000 residents moving into employment to reach 80%.

Of those not in employment the vast majority are economically inactive rather than being unemployed, with over 133,000 residents economically inactive with 24,000 wanting a job. There are many reasons why someone may be economically inactive such as being a student, looking after home/family or retired, but the main reason is being ‘long-term sick’ with an estimated 49,500 and is increasing.

Alongside improving health, we also recognise the need to further raise aspirations, education and skill levels to support the creation and access to higher value, skilled and paid roles and address the productivity challenge. This can help improve social mobility in our more deprived parts of Staffordshire & Stoke-on-Trent, tackling the social and health inequalities that currently exist and create a better quality of life for all.

Beyond employment, health and skills support the plan will also look to address wider issues which impact on people’s ability to work, such as lack of transport accessibility and poor housing.