Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: September 4, 2024

Purpose: Decision to approve the findings and recommendations of the Pathways to Work Commission.

Content: RESOLVED that Cabinet:-   1.    Endorse the findings of the Pathways to Work Commission and note the impact the report will have locally, regionally and nationally; and   2.    Endorse the recommendations made by the Commission for the “national enablers” required to unlock higher rates of labour market participation across the country and particularly in places like Barnsley; and   3.    Approve the Commission’s recommendation to invest in developing a local Proof of Concept to tackle economic inactivity in a more coherent, holistic, and personalised way with system partners in the borough and South Yorkshire Local Authorities and Mayoral Combined Authority; and   4.    Endorse the two further local recommendations to invest in closing educational attainment gaps and raising the quality of work through investment in digital skills as part of the inclusive economy strategy; and   5.    Approve a 2-year extension of the Pathways to Work Secretariat staff funding to support the recommendations.