As we begin to emerge from the pandemic the focus of policy makers has turned to the recovery and how we can build a greener and fairer economy that is fit for the future. This year the Employability and Skills Convention considered the key labour market challenges facing Wales as a result of the last eighteen months and how the sector can deliver the skills needed for the future.
It looked at how we create pathways and deliver the support for learners to return to the labour market, to progress in work, or to start a new career.
Speakers:
- Vaughan Gething MS, Minister for Economy
- Nikki Lawrence, Chief Executive, Careers Wales
- Stephen Evans, Chief Executive, Learning and Work Institute
13 January 2026
Labour Market Evidence Programme
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has commissioned the Institute for Employment Studies, in partnership with Learning and Work Institute, to deliver evidence reviews and practical resources on key labour market issues to help inform local policymakers.
26 November 2025
Final report: A Work, Health and Skills Plan for Wales
This research delivered by Learning and Work Institute (L&W), and funded by Serco, comes at a pivotal moment to inform a significant new era for employment support in Wales. The commitment from the UK Government to devolve non-Jobcentre Plus support is part of a broader strategy, outlined in the recently released Get Britain Working White Paper, which aims to streamline and enhance employment support mechanisms across the UK.
26 November 2025
Bold new plan needed to help 60,000 more people into work in Wales and tackle economic inactivity.
Wales should set a bold ambition for at least three quarters of working-age people to be in work, closing the employment gap with the rest of the UK, argues a new report from Learning and Work Institute (L&W). The report finds this would boost the Welsh economy by £1.4 billion and save taxpayers up to £500 million per year.
6 November 2025
A Work, Health, and Skills Plan for Wales
This research delivered by Learning and Work Institute, and funded by Serco, comes at a pivotal moment to inform a significant new era for employment support in Wales. The commitment from the UK Government to devolve non-Jobcentre Plus support is part of a broader strategy, outlined in the recently released Get Britain Working White Paper, which aims to streamline and enhance employment support mechanisms across the UK.
21 October 2025
Delivering a more inclusive Welsh labour market
Employment support in Wales is changing, with the UK Labour Government committing to the devolution of all non-Jobcentre Plus employment support programmes. Learning and Work Institute (L&W) analysis indicates an estimated £47 million will be provided through devolution to deliver additional employment support in Wales. This is a key moment for Welsh Government to design and deliver employment support tailored to the needs of communities across the country.
8 April 2025
Serco announces joint research project to boost the Welsh job market
Serco is spearheading a critical research initiative with the Learning and Work Institute aimed at delivering a more inclusive Welsh labour market.
29 November 2024
Can the Get Britain Working White Paper get Wales working?
The UK Government has released its long trailed Get Britain Working White Paper. The White Paper sets out significant reforms to the way employment support will operate across the UK, and in particular in England, with the aim of bringing health, work and skills together in a more locally responsive delivery model.
14 November 2024
How Serco’s Restart Scheme is adapting to AI and the Digital Landscape to future-proof the workforce in Wales.
In an era where technology and job markets are rapidly evolving, equipping individuals with the necessary skills to develop becomes crucial. As a significant 26.5% of the working-age population in Wales remains disengaged from the labour market, it is evident that new approaches are needed.
14 May 2024
146,000 reasons to get employment support right in Wales
New research on the UK’s near one million young people aged 16 to 24 who are not in education, employment or training (NEET) reveals that in Wales nearly seven in ten (69%) are economically inactive – meaning they are not currently looking or available for work.
