Ards and North Down established its Labour Market Partnership in August 2021 when the Department for Communities (one of the Department’s within the Northern Ireland Executive) made funding available for the establishment of Labour Market Partnerships (LMP) within each of the 11 Councils in Northern Ireland.
The aim of Ards and North Down Labour Market Partnership is to help improve employability outcomes and labour market conditions locally. The LMP will work through co-ordinated, collaborative, multi-agency partnerships to meet their regional objectives whilst being flexible to meet the needs presented by localised conditions and helping to connect employers with employees.
Ards and North Labour Market Partnership has successfully delivered its Action Plans for 2021-2023, 2023-2024 and 2024-2025, based on the findings from a Strategic Assessment of the Labour Market in the Ards and North Down Area. The Action Plan for 2025-2026 seeks to continue the success of the previous Action Plans as well as building on local experience, knowledge of providers and expertise, and marry this with opportunities to address key areas of need within the AND Council area.
The following four themes have been identified as local priorities for 2025-26 Action Plan:
- Theme 1 - Economic inactivity
- Theme 2 – Unemployment (all ages)
- Theme 3 – Disability
- Theme 4 – Skilled labour supply
If you would like more information on the work of the Ards and North Down Labour Market Partnership please email: LMP@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk