The latest Labour Force Survey has revealed a substantial rise in employment rates for 16-64 year olds across the borough in 2021.

During the period September to November 2021, Sandwell’s employment rate increased from 69.6 per cent to 74 per cent, bringing it in line with the West Midlands’ average of 74.8 per cent and comparable to the national average of 75.5 per cent.

Councillor Kerrie Carmichael, Leader of Sandwell Council, said: “Sandwell Council is committed to ensure that our workforce and young people are skilled and talented, geared up to respond to changing business needs and to win rewarding jobs in a growing economy. The data from the Labour Force Survey indicates that our approach is having positive results.

“We are a major investor in the local economy and, looking forward, the Regeneration Pipeline and Towns Fund Projects will deliver new opportunities in the borough to support people into employment. These, alongside our skills agenda, will mean our residents have opportunities for well paid, local jobs.”

A range of Sandwell Council teams, working with partners, continue to support unemployed people to find work.

The Think Sandwell team supports people of all ages to access a wide range of opportunities, including job and apprenticeship vacancies, work experience and training courses. Our team also supports local businesses to take on apprentices and staff, supporting employers through the recruitment process.

The business growth team works alongside the employment and skills team to support businesses as clients, and respond to any queries from businesses.

For information about employment opportunities, apprenticeship vacancies, work experience, voluntary roles, and training courses head to our employment and skills page.

If your local business would like to take on apprentices and staff or you need support through the recruitment process as an employer visit our support for employers page. 

Connexions Sandwell is a support service for young people, aged 13-19 (or up to the age of 25 years for young people with learning difficulties and/ or disabilities). It offers career information, advice, guidance and practical help about education, training and employment. Visit Connexions Sandwell for more information.

Black Country Impact is a programme for 16-29 year olds who are not in employment, education or training. Participants can access a range of training tailored to support them to enter employment or education to progress their career. 

The project is funded from the European Social Fund and Youth Employment Initiative as part of the 2014-2023 European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme in England. For more information on Black Country Impact visit sandwell.gov.uk/blackcountryimpact.

For further information about recruitment and training, support with growing your team, taking on an apprentice or information about the Kickstart scheme visit our recruitment and training page. Email enquiries_recruitment@sandwell.gov.uk to find out how we can help.