A bold new initiative, Get Solent Working, is officially launching today in direct response to the UK Government’s Get Britain Working White Paper.
This ambitious regional programme aims to transform the labour market across the Solent region -including the Isle of Wight, Portsmouth, and Southampton – by aligning local priorities with national strategy to foster a fairer, healthier, and more resilient economy.
The Get Solent Working Plan
The Get Solent Working Plan will be delivered by the Solent Growth Partnership, a collaborative body representing the Isle of Wight Council, Portsmouth City Council, and Southampton City Council.
This partnership reflects a unified commitment to addressing the region’s most pressing employment challenges through coordinated, place-based action.
Jordan: Comes at a critical time
Councillor Phil Jordan, Leader of the Isle of Wight Council, commented,
“The integrated Get Solent Working Plan arrives at a critical time for the Isle of Wight, where we continue to face higher levels of economic inactivity, a tourism downturn and transport connectivity issues.
“Although experiencing a disproportionate impact from the past pandemic period, initiatives such as the Connect to Work programme will enable and help bridge these divides with targeted, localised solutions.”
Pitt: A genuine, cross-agency effort
Councillor Steve Pitt, Leader of Portsmouth City Council, added,
“Our research highlights that many individuals face significant barriers to meaningful employment – ranging from disability to long-term caregiving responsibilities.
“Get Solent Working represents a genuine, cross-agency effort to provide the support necessary to overcome some of these challenges.”
Fielker: Proud to support it
Councillor Laura Fielker, Leader of Southampton City Council, stated,
“We are proud to support the implementation of the Get Solent Working Plan
“With one in five working-age residents in Southampton currently economically inactive, this initiative is vital to ensuring that more people can access the support they need to find fulfilling and accessible employment opportunities.”
The Plan will address six urgent labour market challenges:
- Labour market exclusion
- Youth unemployment
- Insecure and low-quality employment
- Gender inequality
- Skills mismatches
- Persistent regional disparities
Championing inclusive growth
At its core, Get Solent Working champions inclusive growth, with a particular focus on supporting women, carers, disabled individuals, and those with low qualifications.
The initiative is underpinned by strong partnerships with local authorities, the NHS, the Department for Work and Pensions, and other key stakeholders, ensuring a robust framework for accountability and measurable impact.
Shaped by input from local stakeholders
Development of the Plan will be shaped by input from a wide range of local stakeholders, including voluntary, community, and social enterprise organisations, housing associations, education and skills providers, trade unions, and employer representative groups.
Interested organisations are encouraged to participate in the ongoing development of the initiative.
To read the full report and to express interest and contribute to the conversation, please visit the website.
News shared by Portsmouth City Council. Ed
