Developing the Workforce
Having an effective labour market is essential for a healthy
economy. Ensuring there is sufficient supply of labour, with the
right skills, attitudes and ambition - both now and in the future - to meet the demand
for employers and the Northwest economy is essential to attract
inward investment,
protect and grow key sectors, increase innovation and drive up
enterprise.
Following a period of relatively strong growth and a continued
shift towards service sectors, the region has witnessed a notable
increase in company closures and redundancies in the recent
recession. Reducing unemployment
and increasing business stability is at the top of the
region’s workforce agenda.
Businesses are more likely to survive the effects of the
downturn if their staff are able to perform their jobs effectively,
especially those who lead and manage staff. Leadership and
management skills have been identified by Government and key
stakeholders as being crucial in delivering economic, efficient and
effective performance.
A well-trained, educated and skilled workforce also means both
reduced unemployment and increased pay, which improves the quality of life of
those living in the Northwest.
The NWDA is focusing on influencing and developing the region’s
labour market by:
- Increasing the size, skills and abilities of the workforce
- Making sure those skills increase productivity and sustainable
growth
- Increasing employer demand for highly skilled, innovative and
enterprising people to drive up the economy
- Developing local labour markets to help boost regeneration
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