Ards and North Down established its Labour Market Partnership in August 2021 when the Department for Communities (one of the Department’s within the Northern Ireland Executive) made funding available for the establishment of Labour Market Partnerships (LMP) within each of the 11 Councils in Northern Ireland.
The aim of Ards and North Down Labour Market Partnership is to help improve employability outcomes and labour market conditions locally. The LMP will work through co-ordinated, collaborative, multi-agency partnerships to meet their regional objectives whilst being flexible to meet the needs presented by localised conditions and helping to connect employers with employees.
Following on from the successes of the 2021- 2023 and 2023-2024 Action Plans the Action Plan for 2024-2025 was revised and developed. The LMP Partnership facilitated the consultation and were involved in a “Turning the Curve” exercise and scoping study of the local labour market. The Action Plan for 2024-25 seeks to build on local experience, knowledge of providers and expertise, and marry this with opportunities to address key areas of need within the AND Council area. It also builds on the achievements of the Action Plans of 2021-2023 and 2023-2024 and the lessons learned.
The following four themes have been identified as local priorities for 24-25 Action Plan:
- Theme 1 - Economic inactivity
- Theme 2 – Unemployment (all ages)
- Theme 3 – Disability
- Theme 4 – Skilled labour supply
If you would like more information on the work of the Ards and North Down Labour Market Partnership please email: LMP@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk