Ten-year plan launches to boost jobs, skills and wellbeing across East Midlands
A ten year plan has been launched to help thousands more people across the East Midlands access good jobs, boost earnings, and improve health and wellbeing.
The Get East Midlands Working Plan (2025–35) sets out a vision for inclusive growth across Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, focusing on three priorities:
- Training and employment support: Connecting residents to sustainable jobs through targeted skills and health support.
- Joined-up delivery: Coordinating action across employment, health and skills partners.
- Removing barriers: Tackling challenges such as transport, housing and health access.
Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, launched the plan, meeting participants who have completed work-training with East Midlands Railway. She said:
“This is about real people, not just statistics. It’s about a mum who wants to return to work but needs childcare, a young person looking for their first chance, or someone recovering from illness who wants to feel confident again. These people deserve public services that are in their corner, and this plan shows what that will look like in practice.”
Developed by the Get East Midlands Working Partnership – including East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA), the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), NHS, councils, employers and colleges – the plan builds on EMCCA’s Inclusive Growth strategy to ensure economic progress reaches every community.
Targets for 2035 include:
- Raising employment to 80% (around 60,000 more people in work)
- Creating and supporting 100,000 local jobs
- Tackling barriers such as poor health, low skills and transport challenges
- Boosting productivity and pay
Mayor Claire added:
“The East Midlands is a region of potential: potential which will only be unlocked if everyone plays their part. This is the bedrock of inclusive growth: that everyone’s contribution to our society and economy is valued and respected.
“The Government has set us a challenging target to achieve, but it is one we are embracing – because most people are better off in work and we will be a region where more people live that reality.”
The plan will evolve over time, with regular reviews to keep it relevant and focused on improving lives across the region.
