Yorkshire sees record investment in skills

Workers across Yorkshire are calling for better access to career development opportunities from their employers with 70% of professionals saying they would consider upskilling and professional development opportunities in lieu of higher pay if salary expectations aren’t met, according to the latest Salary Guide from international recruitment firm Robert Half.

This comes as the region experiences unprecedented investment, with the Chancellor’s latest Budget confirming it will devolve £13 billion of SR25 funding to seven Mayoral Strategic Authorities, including South Yorkshire.

According to Mayor David Skaith, Yorkshire has “never had more investment in skills,” with initiatives such as the £10.8 million Adult Skills Fund and the £2.4 million Skills Innovation Fund launched by the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority to tackle skills shortages and future-proof the workforce.

However, challenges remain.  A recent report from the University of Sheffield highlights that parts of South Yorkshire, including Barnsley, Doncaster and Rotherham, continue to lag behind national productivity levels due to persistent skills gaps and mismatches in industry needs.  Closing these gaps through targeted training and employer collaboration is seen as critical to boosting wages and living standards.

The cost-of-living crisis continues to pose challenges for households.  Employees across Yorkshire report seeking more financial aid from their employers, including commuting discounts (59%), a company car allowance (67%), and meal vouchers (59%).  Additionally, more than half (52%) of workers say mental health support would influence their decision to join or stay with a company, while 51% cite gym membership as a deciding factor.

“Flexibility, career development, and well-being support are now critical factors in attracting and retaining talent” says Conor McCabe, Leeds Branch Director, Robert Half.  “Our latest research shows that salary alone is no longer enough to secure the best people.  Employers who act now by offering perks such as mental health support, gym memberships, and work-from-home allowances, will build a resilient workforce and stay competitive in a market where skilled professionals have options.  This will be particularly important as Yorkshire enters a transformative period and competition for talent becomes fierce.”