Workforce Integration and Inclusion in London's growth sectors

For this research Work Advance in partnership with the Institute of Employment Studies was commissioned by the Greater London Authority (GLA) to explore what could be done to support Londoners, from diverse backgrounds, to “get in and on in work”, especially those under-represented in certain sectors. A key intention was to widen access for diverse workers to good work as one important priority in meeting industry growth in the city. 

As the GLA is taking active steps to encourage a stronger, long-term recovery and growth through its London Recovery Programme, the research was intended to support the future Programme around the Helping Londoners into Good Work Mission. A key question the GLA has been confronting with its partners is how to stimulate economic growth in future in a more inclusive and sustained way, that provides equal access to the best employment opportunities, and enhances diversity within the labour market. In this context, one strand of their programme has been interested in working with employers in growth sectors, vital to London’s future economy, to repurpose their people and management practices, so that they better meet evolving industry needs by fully utilising the skills and talents of their workforce. 

With this in mind, the study has researched the nature and causes of under-representation within the priority sectors - health, green, digital, creative and hospitality – to offer insights on where and how the GLA could tailor local interventions to better support future growth through diversity. A primary focus was helping to optimise the sector offer in the region through the research insights for the Mayor’s programmes such as the Academies and attached to the in Workforce Integration Network (WIN).

The research has found that whilst there are many exciting future careers in all of the growth sectors, there is a widespread lack of workforce diversity, and businesses recognise that there is much more they need to do to support inclusive growth in the years ahead. As such the study has provided an opportunity to take stock, learn lessons from innovative practices, and a range of initiatives around training, employment services (e.g. careers advice, work experience, mentoring, etc) and business support, and to offer insights on how future activities can be improved for the benefit of local businesses and the workforce.