New plan to help 93,000 West Midlands residents into employment
An new plan to tackle economic inactivity and boost employment across the region has been unveiled by Mayor Richard Parker.
The initiative, called West Midlands Works, aims to support 93,000 residents into secure, well-paid jobs over the next decade and raise the region’s employment rate by five percentage points.
The plan is the region’s response to the Government’s Get Britain Working programme, which seeks to address rising levels of economic inactivity among working-age adults.
Currently, nearly 600,000 people in the West Midlands are out of work, with the region’s employment rate sitting at just 69% - the lowest in England.
Mayor Parker said “Too many people across our region feel shut out of opportunity. West Midlands Works is our plan to change that—creating a region where everyone who can work, can find good, secure, well-paid jobs. Where work brings pride and purpose, not just a payslip.”
Developed in partnership with local councils, the NHS, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), colleges, employers and community groups, the plan proposes an integrated system that tackles barriers to employment—including poor health, lack of skills, and housing challenges.
The initiative builds on successful local models such as Coventry Job Shop, Wolves at Work, and Thrive at Work, and aligns with the Mayor’s West Midlands Growth Plan and youth employment priorities.
Ethan Banks, a 17-year-old Esports student at Solihull College, shared his journey through the Inclusive Work Readiness Accelerator Programme (IWRAP), which helped him overcome anxiety and cystic fibrosis to secure a placement with Ridge Ltd.
“I always had an interest in motorsport,” Ethan said. “Now I’m working with Ridge on projects including Formula 1. My confidence is growing every day, and I believe in myself.”
Nancy Buckley, Vice Principal at Solihull College, praised Ethan’s success as a testament to inclusive employment support: “Programmes like IWRAP are vital for unlocking talent and helping employers see the incredible value neurodiverse young people bring to the workplace.”
The launch event at Sandwell College was attended by Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Pat McFadden, who said: “I’m ambitious for the people in the West Midlands. By working in partnership with the region, we can bring support to where people are.”
Olympic sprinter Amy Hunt and Paralympic rower Lauren Rowles OBE also backed the plan, sharing personal stories of resilience and the importance of support in achieving career goals.
Rowles said: “I didn’t let my injury get in the way of reaching my potential. I’m pleased this plan will help others overcome barriers to their dream careers.”
The plan will be overseen by a new West Midlands Works Partnership Board, ensuring accountability across the West Midlands Combined Authority, DWP, NHS, local councils, colleges and employers.
Danielle Oum, Chair of NHS Birmingham, Black Country & Solihull, said: “West Midlands Works brings health, skills and employment together so that work becomes part of how we help people live well—not a barrier to it.”
With strong backing from national and local leaders, West Midlands Works promises to transform lives, unlock potential, and build a more inclusive and prosperous future for the region.