SUPPORT for people at risk of leaving work is the topic of a new Somerset business survey.
The Somerset Chamber of Commerce has joined up with Somerset Council to find out how best to back employers offering employment to those with significant barriers to work, or to support those at risk of dropping out of work, due to ill health or disabilities.
An estimated 60,000 people in Somerset are classed as ‘economically inactive’, with around 16,000 due to long-term ill health or disabilities.
Ways to help people back into work are set to be developed, with the help of responses from county companies.
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David Crew, MD of the chamber, said: “People are our greatest asset but like many areas across the country, Somerset does face challenges with a proportion of the working age population not in, or seeking, work, referred to as economically inactive.
“All too often, the skills these economically inactive people could bring to the workplace are being lost because the right support to enable them to work just isn’t there.
“With the right package of support for employers, it is hoped hundreds of people could get back into, or stay in, work in Somerset, boosting the economy and helping local businesses fill their vacancies.”
Cllr Mike Rigby, lead member for economic development at Somerset Council, said: “In Somerset there are more than 60,000 people who are economically inactive. Around 16,000 of these people have long-term ill health or disabilities. Many of these individuals do want to work but are prevented from doing so.
“There is also a significant number of individuals who are in work and at risk of dropping out due to ill health.
“Being in good quality work has a positive effect on people’s physical and mental health and their well-being, and at a time when employers are struggling to recruit and retain their employees, it is essential we can provide support to those who want to work to be able to do so and to reach their full potential.
“Our aim is to ensure accessible employment opportunities for all and in doing so, helping our employers to meet their workforce needs.”
The national chamber network’s latest Quarterly Economic Survey found 60% of respondent businesses in Somerset were operating below capacity.
Despite the UK’s unemployment rate remaining at 4.4% at the end of last year, the number of firms reporting difficulties filling vacancies soared to 65%, up from 54% in the previous quarter, it said.
In response to a national trend, particularly post-Covid, the Government has launched a Get Britain Working White Paper to reduce economic inactivity and raise the employment rate.
Businesses are being encouraged to complete the survey before midday on Friday, March 21, to enable Somerset Council to create a bespoke programme of support.
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