The United Kingdom: Boosting the Role of Cities in Workforce Development

Abstract

It is in cities that full employment will ultimately be achieved or missed. Full employment in our largest cities will create the most socially inclusive society. To be in a position to achieve this outcome, cities need local government to have more powers over the processes that drive economic competitiveness and social cohesion. These needs are reflected in the government agenda for cities, employment and skills governance in the United Kingdom, which is changing rapidly with major reviews and announcements. Yet the changes to be made are significant and have implications for the way policies are designed and implemented across several government departments, and involve regional and local organisations. It is clear that major policy changes are being implemented, but the United Kingdom also needs to learn directly from best practice in other countries as new policy frameworks are developed and implemented.