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A summary of the Bury All-Age Work and Skills Strategy

Purpose

To ensure that every resident in Bury - regardless of age or background - can access the education, training, and support needed to succeed in a modern, inclusive economy.

Context

  • Bury’s economy is valued at £3.2 billion, with over 8,000 businesses and 68,000 jobs.
  • Despite this, economic growth has been slow, and 27.7% of working-age residents are economically inactive.
  • The Northern Gateway development (part of Atom Valley) will bring 20,000 new jobs and 7,000 homes, offering a once-in-a-generation opportunity.

Strategic objectives

  1. Prepare Young People for Work

    • Embed careers education early
    • Promote technical and academic parity
    • Reduce NEET rates and support vulnerable youth

  2. Reduce Economic Inactivity

    • Expand adult learning and upskilling
    • Integrate health and employment support
    • Address barriers like long-term illness and digital exclusion

  3. Increase Employer Investment

    • Promote funded training and apprenticeships
    • Support social value initiatives
    • Strengthen links between businesses and education

Alignment with LET’S do it! Strategy

This strategy is a key enabler of Bury’s overarching vision to:

  • Achieve faster economic growth than the national average
  • Reduce deprivation and inequality
  • Build a skilled, healthy, and resilient population

Governance

Led by Team Bury, with oversight from strategic boards including:

  • Bury Business Leadership Group
  • Children’s Strategic Partnership Board
  • Health and Wellbeing Board
  • Anti-Poverty and Regeneration Boards

Impact goals

  • Increase employment and skills levels
  • Reduce economic inactivity and NEET (not in education, employment or training) rates
  • Ensure inclusive access to opportunities for all communities