By KLTV Newsdesk –

New training and toolkit aim to help businesses recruit, retain and support disabled workers

A major new package of support for employers has been unveiled by West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin, in a bid to close the disability employment gap, tackle economic inactivity and raise living standards across the region.

The initiative forms part of a £37 million partnership with the NHS designed to guarantee a “healthy working life” for everyone in West Yorkshire.

Employers can access a new Healthy Working Life offer, including fully funded training to make inclusive hiring and workplace practices easier and more commercially viable.

Training and tools to support businesses

At least 250 training places will be made available to employers across the region.

Delivered both online and in person, the courses will provide practical guidance on inclusive recruitment, staff retention, workplace adjustments and improving employee wellbeing.

Alongside the training, a new toolkit has been launched to simplify what business leaders have described as fragmented and hard-to-navigate guidance.

The resource offers a single hub of legal advice, step-by-step support, interactive tools and video case studies from local employers.

It covers every stage of employment, from job advertising and interviews through to career progression and long-term retention.

Mayor: “We’re building a fairer, stronger economy”

Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “West Yorkshire cannot reach its economic potential while thousands of talented people remain locked out of work through no fault of their own.

“With lower than average employment, our region is home to thousands of grafters who desperately want to work but haven’t received the right support with their disability or health condition.

“With this new training and toolkit for employers, we’re building a fairer, stronger economy where businesses are enabled to become more productive, and people are empowered to secure new jobs and support their families.

“By joining up health, employment and business support together, we’re demonstrating that devolution is working for West Yorkshire.”

Driving productivity and opportunity

The partnership has been developed in response to below-average employment rates in West Yorkshire and aims to remove barriers faced by people with health conditions and disabilities.

Officials say matching the national employment rate could bring tens of thousands more people into stable jobs, boosting local incomes, business productivity and overall wellbeing.

Research suggests that businesses with strong diversity and inclusion practices can see up to 19% higher revenues and are 35% more likely to outperform competitors.

Nationally, halving the disability employment gap could add £17 billion to the UK economy.

Additional support and future plans

Employers will also be able to access a £1,800 graduate recruitment grant, alongside support to connect with skilled candidates.

The announcement comes ahead of a West Yorkshire Combined Authority meeting, where leaders are expected to approve increased funding for Employment West Yorkshire.

Over the past two years, the programme has helped 16,850 people overcome barriers to work through tailored careers advice, CV support, interview preparation and reskilling opportunities.

Leaders will also consider a new Region of Learning and Creativity Strategy, which aims to ensure all residents can access skills and employment support.

A key element is the West Yorkshire Promise, offering employment and training support to every young person aged 14 to 24 who wants it.

A joined-up regional approach

Over the past year, 37,900 learners have taken part in adult skills courses, with 91% fully funded.

Local leaders say devolved powers have enabled more targeted support, particularly for people with disabilities, health conditions and other disadvantages.

By bringing together health, skills, employment and business support under one framework, the Combined Authority aims to create a more coordinated, locally tailored system to help people into work.

The approach is expected to increase labour market participation, boost business growth and ensure the benefits of economic progress are shared across West Yorkshire.

Employers are encouraged to find out more about the Healthy Working Life programme via the Combined Authority website.