May 2018

WARWICKSHIRE MEANS BUSINESS

Welcome from Cllr Izzi Seccombe, leader of Warwickshire County Council

Hello and welcome to the May edition of Warwickshire Means Business.

It is pleasing to read in this edition that the latest Quarterly Labour Market Bulletin, produced by our economy & skills team, reveals some very encouraging trends in the Warwickshire's economy.

During 2017, almost 12,000 people in the county found work increasing the county’s employment rate to 79.6%, its highest this century. We have a record high number of people in work and significant job market activity. The unemployment rate in Warwickshire continues to fall with the rate dropping every quarter in 2017 and now standing at 2.5%, compared to a national average of 4.4%.

This is excellent news but high employment does have one troublesome side-effect as business looking to expand - that of recruitment. Out an about in the business community, our excellent Economy & Skills team constantly hear businesses admit they are struggling to finding the skilled talent they require to enable growth.

The Skills Gap is a national issue, of course, and there is no quick fix  but here at Warwickshire County Council we are doing all we can to help address the situation. Our recently-launched Tackling Skills Shortages campaign includes a range of tips and guidance on the issue. Please have look and see how we can support you. Running a business is a very time-consuming matter and you may not feel you have time to have a look. Please do - it could be the most productive 15 minutes of your week!

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