South Shields Town Hall played host to an employer event last week aimed at tackling economic inactivity and promoting inclusive employment across South Tyneside.
The event, part of the Building a Stronger South Tyneside campaign, brought together businesses from across the borough—including South Tyneside & Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust, Dicksons, the Port of Tyne, Be Modern, HVR International, and UK Docks Marine Services—to explore how they can better support people with health conditions or disabilities in the workplace.
Across the UK, there are now more working-age people who are economically inactive due to ill-health and disability than ever before. While some individuals are unable to work, many others would like the opportunity—if the right support is in place.
The session highlighted new regional initiatives such as the Connect To Work scheme, Economic Inactivity Trailblazer, and Health & Growth Accelerator, to support employers and the workplace.
The event also aligned with the UK Government’s Get Britain Working white paper, which sets out a national ambition to reduce economic inactivity and achieve an 80% employment rate by 2030.
Opening the event, Councillor Liz McHugh, Lead Member for Children, Families and Social Care and Education and Skills at South Tyneside Council, emphasised the importance of inclusive growth.
She said:
“South Tyneside Council wants to ensure all residents can play an active role in our community. The Get Britain Working campaign places a real focus on helping people with barriers to work find employment. For this to succeed, we need our local employers to be involved and supported.”
The event also featured insights from Garry Thompson, Head of People at the Port of Tyne, who shared the Port’s journey toward greater workforce diversity, and Caroline Preston from the North East Combined Authority, who introduced the new SHINE Employer Accreditation—a recognition for businesses that lead with fairness, opportunity, and respect.
Councillor McHugh added:
“We are on a mission to make our region the home of opportunity. By investing in our residents and supporting our businesses, we can build a stronger local economy and ensure good work for all.”
For more information about the Building a Stronger South Tyneside campaign and resources available to employers, visit: Building a Stronger South Tyneside – Invest South Tyneside
If you have any current or future openings in your business, or you would like an informal chat around the support we can offer to your business please contact our Skills Development and Business Engagement Officer, Claire Cook: claire.cook@southtyneside.gov.uk
