A new plan to create more job opportunities and improve the quality of jobs in the region has been approved by councillors.

Devon County Councils Cabinet has given its backing to the draft Get Devon, Plymouth and Torbay Working Plan. Which is a two-year framework aiming to address longstanding economic challenges in the region such as high inactivity rates in Torbay, and low pay in coastal and rural areas.

Priorities of the plan include addressing skills gaps, tackling health-related inactivity, enabling unpaid carers and those with caring responsibilities to re-enter the workforce, and supporting young people into sustained careers, including those at risk of not being in education, employment or training (NEET).

It brings together existing programmes such as the Adult Skills Fund pilot, Connect to Work, Train 4 Tomorrow and the Careers Hub, aligning them under a single, shared strategy.

The plan proposes a number of actions with the creation of a local Job Quality Charter, improved access to flexible and carer-friendly employment, and strengthening links between education, training providers and employers.

Support will be prioritised for groups who face the greatest barriers to work, including residents with long-term health conditions, unpaid carers, older workers, care-experienced young people, and those with special educational needs or disabilities.

Initial delivery will focus on pilot areas in Torbay, Ilfracombe and Newton Abbot, before being rolled out across the wider area.

All areas of the country have been tasked with developing a local Get Britain Working Plan. Subject to joint sign-off from partners Plymouth City Council, Torbay Council, the Integrated Care Board, the Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority and the Department for Work and Pensions, the Get Devon, Plymouth and Torbay Working Plan will be submitted to Government by the end of this month.

The plan builds directly on our Brighter Futures Strategy which aims to increase the number of young people in education, employment or training. It also aligns with our Strategic Plan commitments of ensuring positive futures for young people, economic inclusion and local prosperity, and supporting independence and dignity.