The Get Surrey Working Plan is a bold cross-county plan to bring thousands of people back into work in Surrey. It’s now been launched with the backing of Surrey County Council, government ministers and employers.
The Get Surrey Working Plan brings key partners together to focus on supporting 26,900 economically inactive residents who want to work but currently face barriers to employment.
Surrey currently has a lower-than-average rate of economic inactivity at 17.8% compared to the national average of 21.2%. But around 131,000 of its working age population are not currently employed.
Government ministers and local leaders across government, Jobcentre Plus, health and business are pledging to work together to tackle the issue through a series of interventions. This includes multimillion pound schemes such as Connect to Work, Skills Bootcamps and WorkWell.
The new STEP Surrey portal will streamline access to services. It will help residents finding the right support, learning new skills and finding jobs. Plus they can access assistance in a simple and easy way.
What is the Get Surrey Working Plan?
The Get Surrey Working Plan launch included representatives from the One Surrey Growth Board at Redhill JobCentre Plus.
The plan identifies the key reasons for tens of thousands of Surrey’s working age residents not working. This includes long-term health conditions and caring responsibilities.
It also addresses Surrey’s skills mismatch problem. Currently many highly skilled professionals commute to London for work, leaving local employers struggling to fill vacancies. Key sectors including health and social care, automotive, and technology are particularly affected by recruitment challenges.
To bridge this gap, the plan will deliver targeted business support and skills development programmes. The aim is helping employers fill vacancies while supporting workforce planning and inclusive employment practices.
The soon-to-be-devolved Adult Skills Fund will focus on priority sectors and skills gaps. This enables residents to gain qualifications aligned with local employer needs.
Young people without skills or access to further learning will receive early intervention support in schools to reduce the risk of becoming NEET (not in education, employment, or training), with clear vocational pathways and work experience opportunities.
Get Surrey Working Plan launch – reaction
Matt Furniss, Surrey County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Economic Growth and Chair of the One Surrey Growth Board, said: “While the economic picture in Surrey is largely a positive one, we know that there are thousands of people out there who are currently out of work but not in employment.
“Through the Get Surrey Working, we’re committed to breaking down those barriers and creating a truly inclusive labour market where everyone has the opportunity to access good quality employment and reach their full potential.”
Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Pat McFadden said: “The Get Surrey Working Plan is a perfect example of how partners can come together to support people into work and help local businesses find the talent they need.
“Surrey is a county with real strengths – a thriving economy, top-class businesses and talented people – yet we know there are many more people who want to work but face barriers that hold them back.
“By bringing together local employers and support services we can reach people where they are and give them a genuine route into good work. This kind of practical, locally-led support is exactly what we need to get Britain working.”
Working together to support people into work
The plan has been developed through partnership working. Key stakeholders include public health colleagues, Jobcentre Plus, Surrey Chambers of Commerce and employment support providers.
The aim is to avoid duplication of services and ensure support reaches those who need it most. This is through coordinating the employment and skills offer across Surrey with a clear, joined-up local service.
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