A Region of Learning and Creativity depends on a solid foundation of high‑quality, inclusive and future‑ready employers committed to diversity, wellbeing and innovation. Employer excellence benefits people, creating workplaces where people can progress, feel valued and thrive. It benefits employers, improving talent retention, raising staff satisfaction and aiding recruitment.
But this is about more than offering good jobs, it is about employers’ role as system actors. Employer excellence drives wage growth, innovation diffusion, talent attraction, increases social value and regional competitiveness, all of which provide broad social and economic benefits.
However, in 2026 West Yorkshire’s employers face persistent challenges that limit productivity and good growth. The region also has persistent skills shortages resulting in hard to fill vacancies, particularly in key sectors, constraining growth and delivery. The region’s productivity gap is not just about labour supply though, it is linked to existing capability and skills gaps that are well above the national average.
West Yorkshire is home to circa 100,000 businesses, of which most are SMEs and micro businesses. Many businesses, but particularly SMEs, lack the time, capital or infrastructure for workforce training impacting in work progression, leadership capability and retention of experienced employees. Recruitment feels risky, exacerbated by rising costs, and time poor employers often need speedy, trusted routes to hiring. Despite many good intentions for inclusive recruitment, employers are struggling to find diverse and creative talent.
West Yorkshire’s self-employment rate (8.2%) is lower than the Yorkshire and Humber rate (9%) and nationally (9.5%). This demonstrates the work to be done to close the self-employment gap, and to champion and support entrepreneurship in the region.
For all businesses digital adoption will be vital for a rapidly changing economy. It requires agile workforce skills but also clarity on how to maximise the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and respond to business impact. As industries evolve, we must support employers to adopt modern practices that unlock productivity while ensuring that every worker in the region can access fulfilling, secure and rewarding employment.
There is however much to be positive about. West Yorkshire is a diversified economy with knowledge-based specialisms predominantly based in Leeds, but with growth across the region including Bradford and Halifax.
The region has significant sectoral strengths and emerging high-growth clusters. To unlock the ambitions of the Local Growth Plan though, we need to ensure skills is more than a tool for social improvement, but also a lever for increasing productivity and an enabler for good growth.
Employers, workers and jobseekers face a system with multiple transition points and fragmented responsibilities. This often makes it difficult for people to progress or for businesses to find and retain talent.
For residents, the longer the time they spend away from paid work, the harder it becomes to re-enter the labour market and the greater the impact on their wellbeing and quality of life. Supporting jobseekers and unemployed residents into work or enterprise is mutually beneficial to both residents and West Yorkshire businesses.
Quality of life can be improved for residents, and the talent pipeline and business vibrancy strengthened for employers and businesses.
By strengthening place-based partnerships, the Combined Authority can support employers and individuals end-to-end:
A more integrated system means businesses can grow sustainably, and residents can build careers that evolve with them — without falling through gaps created by disjointed funding, responsibilities or capacity.
To fully deliver modern, inclusive and future ready employer excellence across West Yorkshire, further devolution is required, including:
These powers would enable the Combined Authority to create a seamless system where employers can innovate and grow, and where every resident can access high quality, secure and fulfilling work.
Being part of the Fair Work Charter isn’t just a commitment - it’s a reflection of who we are. It supports our local community and reinforces the values we live by as a business. We’re proud to be part of a network that invests in people and shares knowledge to help businesses thrive. The Charter ensures support and best practice are always within reach - this has been invaluable.
Laura Roderick, Head of People and Culture at UK Greetings, Dewsbury.
We're proud to be part of the Fair Work Charter because it reflects our dedication to fairness, good work, and wellbeing. Our people are the foundation of our success, and this commitment makes a real difference.
Claire Burns, People Director at Abraham Moon & Sons Ltd.
