Unemployment rates in Barnsley are below the national average, recent data from the Office of National Statistics has revealed.

At 2.8%, Barnsley is significantly lower than the national average, standing at 4%, which Barnsley Council have put down to their ‘bold and ambitious’ Pathways to Work system.

The Pathways to Work system brings together health, wellbeing, skills and employment support, offering people personalised support based around their lives and aspirations. 

This system has built partnerships with Job Centre Plus, health partners and community organisations to identify and support people who need it most.

The plan also doesn’t just focus on the employees, they have been working with employers as well to create flexible roles and better workplace wellbeing through initiatives such as Be Well @ Work.

However, Barnsley council know their work is not finished. Councillor Robin Franklin, Cabinet Spokesperson for Regeneration and Culture said: “Barnsley’s lower unemployment rate is a promising sign, but we know that many people who want to work still face challenges.

“We remain deeply committed to making further progress. By working with partners across South Yorkshire, we’re creating new opportunities so that more people can realise their potential and build a future they may not have thought possible.”

This comes as 24.2% of South Yorkshire’s working age being economically inactive, many being due to long-term health conditions, so they feel there is still work to do.

If you, or someone you know could benefit from this system, then you can access more information here: https://pathways-to-work.co.uk/.