Skills Development
Councils are focusing on skills development to tackle youth unemployment and boost economic growth across their boroughs.
Redbridge Council is implementing new strategies to tackle youth unemployment and boost economic growth, with a significant focus on employment and skills development, as discussed by its Regeneration and Economic Development Committee in July 2026. This follows Hammersmith and Fulham Council's launch of the H&F Upstream Pathway Bond in January 2026, aimed at boosting local employment for young residents by connecting education, skills development, and job prospects.
Newham Council's Education Children and Young People Scrutiny Commission examined post-16 education, skills development, and employment support for young people in December 2025. A report to the commission reviewed how these services are delivered across various directorates. Redbridge's Director of Regeneration and Growth, Tom Dewey, highlighted in July 2026 that the borough faces a 22.1% economic inactivity rate, which the council's new economic growth strategy aims to address.
Key facts
- Redbridge Council's Regeneration and Economic Development Committee discussed its work plan focusing on employment and skills development in July 2026. Source
- Redbridge faces a 22.1% economic inactivity rate, as highlighted by Tom Dewey, Director of Regeneration and Growth, in July 2026. Source
- Hammersmith and Fulham Council launched the H&F Upstream Pathway Bond in January 2026 to boost local employment for young residents. Source
- The H&F Upstream Pathway Bond initiative has attracted £6.3 billion in business investment, creating over 17,200 new jobs. Source
- Newham Council's Education Children and Young People Scrutiny Commission examined post-16 education and skills development in December 2025. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 1 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.