Councils across the UK are focused on managing the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on their local communities, businesses and economy, and planning for an inclusive and green recovery. The Leeds Economic Recovery Framework sets out Leeds City Council’s continued approach to aid recovery from the coronavirus crisis, with a strong focus on supporting existing sectors and creating new green jobs as they work towards becoming a Net Zero City by 2030.

The employment and skills system is central to Leeds’ approach. Craig Skinner, Project and Programmes Senior Manager at Leeds City Council, presented to the Inclusive Growth Network on how Leeds is leveraging the employment and skills system to respond to the economic impacts of Covid-19 on communities.

Key Learnings:

Leeds has a three-tier approach:

1. Respond: digitising and pivoting to virtual delivery
2. Reset and renew: promoting apprenticeships, refreshing skills strategy, and developing new programmes
3. Build resilience: extending employment support, investing in retraining, addressing digital exclusion and improving digital skills