This webinar explores what the evidence tells us about effective retraining at the local level. It will consider the features of successful retraining programmes, including the role of employers, links to local labour market opportunities, and the wider support that needs to be in place.

UK workers need to increasingly consider job mobility, as a result of a more rapidly changing labour market and longer working lives. Up to three million UK jobs in declining occupations could disappear by 2035 due to factors such as artificial intelligence, automation and the transition to a greener economy. Local areas are also experiencing labour market challenges such as an ageing workforce and changing migration patterns. Retraining has an important role to play in helping people adapt to these changes, supporting those in work to move into new roles or sectors, and helping people who are out of work to build skills that match local labour market demand.

The webinar will be of interest to policy, delivery and evaluation teams working on employment, skills and economic development within local government and Mayoral Strategic Authorities, as well as training providers and partner organisations. It will share practical insights for local stakeholders seeking to strengthen retraining provision and support residents to access the skills they need for current and future jobs. This webinar is part of the Department for Work and Pensions’ Labour Market Evidence Programme, which aims to help local policymakers better understand what works in improving labour market outcomes for out-of-work and in-work individuals.

The webinar will include contributions from Jim Riccio, Principal Research Fellow at MDRC and Simon Joos, Work and Skills Specialist at Manchester City Council, among others.

15 September 2026

Labour Market Briefing: September 2026

Our analysis of the ONS labour market statistics, released on the morning of 15 September 2026.

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15 September 2026

Labour market dashboard

Every month, Learning and Work Institute produces detailed and timely analysis of the latest labour market statistics from ONS. Explore our interactive charts.

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15 September 2026

Cambridgeshire and Peterborough’s Youth Guarantee Trailblazer: Implementation and process evaluation

This report presents findings from L&W’s implementation and process evaluation of year one of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority’s Youth Guarantee Trailblazer.

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15 September 2026

Labour market stats response, September 2026

L&W’s chief executive Stephen Evans responds to the latest labour market data from ONS.

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27 August 2026

Responding to the latest NEET data, August 2026

Learning and Work Institute Deputy Director Elizabeth Gerard responds to the NEET data released on 27 August 2026.

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18 August 2026

Labour Market Briefing: August 2026

Our analysis of the ONS labour market statistics, released on the morning of 18 August 2026.

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18 August 2026

Labour market stats response, August 2026

L&W’s chief executive Stephen Evans responds to the latest labour market data from ONS.

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12 August 2026

Small employers, big opportunities: apprenticeships for young people

Olly Newton, Executive Director at Edge Foundation, reflects on key messages from the Edge Foundation-sponsored workshop at Learning and Work Institute’s Employment and Skills Convention, exploring how small employers and local partners can support more young people into apprenticeships.

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11 August 2026

Delivering local work and health programmes: Top tips

Developed as part of the Labour Market Evidence Programme, these top tips share practical lessons on designing, delivering and evaluating local work and health programmes.

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