During the worst of the pandemic, many people faced prolonged unemployment. Certain industries and communities were hit particularly hard, and remain vulnerable to long term economic scarring. As the recovery from the pandemic begins, policymakers must identify and address the barriers to those looking to return to the workforce – particularly for the most vulnerable.
The recovery from coronavirus has so far been jobs-rich, with one of the tightest labour markets on record and high numbers of vacancies. However, there has been an exodus of older workers from the workforce, and there remains challenges when it comes to the employment of disadvantaged groups, such as disabled people and the long-term unemployed. The Government is rightly focused on getting people into work, progressing employees within work, and helping them plan and pursue a career.
Success is vital for levelling up, given the variation in employment and skills in different parts of the UK and the need for everyone to have access to good quality, well paid and productive work, wherever they are and whoever they may be.
