New employment strategy set to “narrow inequalities” in Salford

A new five year employment strategy has been launched in Salford to connect local people to the growth that is taking place in the city.

Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett said: “The past decade has seen Salford’s emergence as one of the fastest growing places in the north. This is exciting news but it is vitally important we make sure that local people are benefitting from that growth.

“Jobs grew by 19 per cent, more than four times the national average. And importantly more than 90 per cent of these are full time roles. We’ve also seen rapid growth in Salford residents’ wages, which are now well above the average for Greater Manchester.”

The partnership strategy will run to 2028 and sets out four main objectives. This includes helping young people and residents in Salford progress in their careers and encouraging more adults in Salford to enter and stay in work.

Another objective is to ensure that employers in Salford can also develop skills for growth.

Led by the Salford Skills and Work Board, the strategic partnership for employment and skills in the city was launched at 100 Embankment on Tuesday November 21.

Here at the launch of Salford’s Employment & Skills Strategy, City Mayor Paul Dennett talks about how Salford is one of the fastest growing places in the north. Since 2017, number of businesses in Salford has grown by a quarter. This strategy aims to connect residents to growth. pic.twitter.com/ZSpuyBriVT

— Salford City Council (@SalfordCouncil) November 21, 2023

Cllr Bill Hinds, Chair of the Salford Skills and Work Board, said: “The hard work is well underway as we strive to make better opportunities and outcomes for our local residents. At the launch event, it was fantastic to see the positivity of partners and their commitment to drive positive change in the city.”

In 2021 Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett agreed a newly funded £1.5million Skills and Work programme. In May 2022 Matthew Ainsworth was appointed as its new Director for Skills, Work and Inclusive Economy.

For more information on the strategy click here.

Featured image of Salford and Trafford Park taken by M J Richardson, Wikimedia.