Learning and Work Institute was commissioned by the Local Government Association (LGA) to explore the options for how modern, more integrated and localised public employment and skills services could be funded, designed and delivered.

This independent report sets out research findings, potential options and areas for further consultation and development.  It draws on evidence from the UK and internationally, including feedback from councils and new data analysis.

This report recommends moving towards a new model of political and fiscal devolution – with broad devolution of funding and policy; significant autonomy over policy, service design and commissioning; clear accountability to central government around objective setting, measurement and performance within a national framework; underpinned by multi-year labour market agreements.

Alongside this report, the LGA published a consultation on longer-term reform, as well as recommendations for how employment and skills services could be improved in the shorter term.

30 September 2026

From appetite to opportunity

This report for The St Martin’s Group draws on a survey of more than 1,000 HR decision makers to examine employers’ plans to recruit young people, the routes they expect to use, the barriers they face, and the support they need.

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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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