NEET figures reinforce the case for collaboration
The latest Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures provide another important reminder of the scale of the challenge facing young people and the labour market.

From 2027 the UK will rejoin the Erasmus+ programme, providing opportunities for people to study, train, gain work experience or volunteer in other countries.
Erasmus+ is a European Union (EU) programme that provides grant funding for international placements and partnership projects, for organisations working in education, training, youth or sport.
It aims to help individuals to develop their knowledge and build personal and professional skills, while giving organisations the opportunity to build international partnerships.
The UK’s return to the Erasmus+ programme is welcome news for businesses and learners across the South West. International experiences can help people develop the skills, confidence and connections they need to succeed, while giving employers access to a broader pool of talent and fresh ideas. Strengthening these links with our European neighbours is an important step towards supporting skills development, innovation and long-term economic growth in our region.
Erasmus+ is open to learners, trainees and staff in higher education, further education, vocational education and training, schools and adult education. It also supports young people and workers in the youth sector, as well as staff and volunteers in sports organisations.
Organisations and businesses can take part by working with international partners on collaborative projects, which aim to develop and share innovative practices and improve the training and education that they offer.
Our members, including businesses and education providers, already work with young people by offering placements, mentoring and work experience. Erasmus+ provides another opportunity to build on this work, helping young people gain valuable skills and experiences while enabling businesses to engage with the future workforce.
The return of Erasmus+ for the UK offers exciting opportunities for businesses, education providers and learners across the South West. To find out more about how you could benefit from the programme visit the website here.
The latest Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures provide another important reminder of the scale of the challenge facing young people and the labour market.
Business West has released a new Clean Energy Skills Report as part of the Local Skills Improvement Plans (LSIPs)
Business West Chambers of Commerce has released new Local Skills Improvement Plans (LSIPs) for Gloucestershire, the West of England and North Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire and Somerset (in partnership with Somerset Chamber of Commerce).