Free laptops, digital skills support and free data or Wifi connectively will be offered to the people of West Yorkshire in an attempt to improve unemployment.
The West Yorkshire Mayor, Tracy Brabin, launched the initiative so that people can access jobs and training from home.
Tracy Brabin said: “Too many people in West Yorkshire are locked out of opportunity because they can’t get online or don’t have the skills they need to confidently use the internet.
“That isn’t fair on people and isn’t healthy for our economy.”
The scheme follows the mayors pledge to help guarantee a ‘healthy working life’ to everyone in the region, which has seen her partner with NHS leaders to join up health and employment services.
The partnership aims to support people with disabilities and long term health conditions into jobs that work for them.
Mrs Brabin added: “Through our ambitious Healthy Working Life partnership with the NHS, we’re bringing together the practical, personalised and trusted support that people need to succeed, helping us build a brighter West Yorkshire that works for all.”
In West Yorkshire 20% of working-age adults lack essential digital skills.
— Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire (@MayorOfWY) October 16, 2025
No one should miss out on good work or training because they can’t get online.
Our new support will help remove digital barriers to work, giving devices, data connection and skills.
Find out more:… pic.twitter.com/vtWpcGYYtf
The West Yorkshire Combined Authority will invest £250,000 into the scheme, which will first benefit communities in Leeds, before it is rolled out across West Yorkshire.
Fatima Khan-Shah, Chair of Digital Inclusion West Yorkshire and Inclusivity Champion for the region, said: “In today’s world, more and more is online – from banking to health appointments to job applications.
“Yet we also know a fifth of our working-age residents lack the essential digital skills they need to work and thrive. This can and must change.”
“Our pioneering Digital Inclusion West Yorkshire programme has supported almost 300 organisations to back people’s digital skills, building confidence and putting more money into people’s pockets.
“As chair of the digital inclusion group it has been humbling to see and hear the impact this has had.”
This initiative was unveiled on a visit to GIPSIL (Gipton Supported Independent Living) in East Leeds, an organisation that supports communities.
GIPSIL will be one of the Leeds based organisations that will gift the laptops and digital skills with the backing of the mayor and 100% Digital Leeds, which is a collaboration between Leeds City Council and the Leeds Health and Care Partnership.
A resident who has received support from 100% Digital Leeds and GIPSIL, said: “When I had to leave home and move into emergency accommodation, I didn’t have a phone or Wi-Fi. I was in my final year of A levels and really struggling to keep up.
“Getting a Wi-Fi box and SIM made such a difference, it meant I could complete my university applications online. After a lot of hard work, I’ve been offered a place to study Nursing with a foundation year at University.
“I’m so happy and really grateful for the support.”