Stockport Work and Skills Commission Business / employer Workshop 29th January 2018 Cheadle house – de vere Welcome. Paul Holme, independent chair of the commission

Today’s workshop Introduction and domestic arrangements. Stockport Work and Skills Commission -process and next steps. Background context: - Stockport's Inclusive Growth Strategy. - Economic and social. Work and skills. Table discussion (1) and feedback Plenary. Table discussion (2) and feedback. Plenary. Closure of workshop and next steps.

Introductions and domestics Thank you for attending today and giving your time to contribute. No fire drill expected, if we need to leave the building, go out through the fire exits and gather on the car park. Toilets. Please help yourself to drinks. Lunch will be available from 12pm.

Stockport Work and Skills Commission -process and next steps Today is one of four workshops for different groups. With an online survey enabling anyone to comment and contribute . Leading to a full day Commission event on 8 March. Published report, priorities and action plan. A new Stockport Work and Skills Board will progress the work and actions from May 2018 onwards.

Background context - Stockport's Inclusive Growth Strategy Our vision: ‘We believe that we can foster economic growth in a more inclusive way so that all communities enjoy good life chances, and, the benefits of growth in terms of jobs, prosperity and access to public services, are distributed to best meet the needs of Stockport residents both now and in the future.’ This work links to other work being done by Stockport Council including new developments to create more jobs and insight work that is looking at people’s experiences through the use of community reporters.

Background context; Economic and Social Diverse and successful local economy. High proportion of professional and managerial occupations. Productivity levels above North west average. Good mix of large and micro businesses. Average house prices above North West and Greater Manchester. Two way commuting flow into Manchester. But - Not everyone has benefited.

Background context; Work and skills Employment and economic activity rates above North West and UK averages. Low levels of unemployment relative to Greater Manchester and North West. Qualifications at level 4 and above exceed UK average. Average wage levels exceed  Greater Manchester and North West levels. Achievement levels at 16 above the levels for English schools. But - Not everyone has benefited.

Table discussion 1 Facilitated discussion with all contributions recorded and 3 key issues reported back. Points for discussion: -1) From a business perspective, what are the issues impacting on your ability to employ a skilled workforce? From the perspective of: a) Recruiting young people into their first job; b) Skills of your existing employees; c) Recruiting adults; d) The availability of high quality support and training. -2) What issues do we need to consider if we are to deliver a successful inclusive growth agenda for Stockport?

Plenary - feedback and discussion

Table discussion (2) Proposed solutions to issues identified in Table discussion (1). a) Young People – attitude as well as achievement, supported by meaningful careers advice and work experience. b) Employers – upskilling their own workforce by accessing apprenticeship levy within the context of full employment and likely reduction in migrant workers. c) Adults – navigating the system and support in recruitment practices. d) Agility of the system to respond to the changes in the working of the labour market. Facilitated discussion with all contributions recorded and 3 key issues reported back.

Table discussion (2) Plenary feedback and discussion. 

Closure of workshop and next steps Thank you again for your attendance and your contribution. Please complete your evaluation form. Please enjoy your lunch.