Growing opportunity and unlocking potential in a changing workforce

Our Employment and Skills Convention returned to Manchester on Thursday 2 July 2026.

As the world of work continues to change, we asked the key questions: how can we create and connect young people to opportunity? How is demand for skills evolving as technology reshapes jobs? And how can workers and employers be supported to thrive in a changing economy?

This major annual event for the employment and skills sectors brings together delegates from across central and local government, employers, providers, and third sector organisations to tackle key issues in policy and practice.

With thanks to our sponsors: Maximus UK, Edge Foundation, Ingeus, Youth Futures Foundation and City & Guilds.

Watch recordings from the event

View slides from the convention

Download the slides

21 Gorffennaf 2026

Labour Market Briefing: July 2026

Our analysis of the ONS labour market statistics, released on the morning of 21 July 2026.

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21 Gorffennaf 2026

Labour market dashboard

Every month, Learning and Work Institute produces detailed and timely analysis of the latest labour market statistics from ONS. Explore our interactive charts.

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21 Gorffennaf 2026

Labour market stats response, July 2026

L&W’s chief executive Stephen Evans responds to the latest labour market data from ONS.

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10 Gorffennaf 2026

Building trust before jobs: supporting NEET young people in East Finchley 

Andrew Potter, Project Manager of the JobsPlus pilot in East Finchley, outlines a different approach to supporting young people into employment and training.

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29 Mehefin 2026

What enables the effective design, delivery and evaluation of local work and health programmes?

This report presents findings from an evidence review on what enables the effective design, delivery and evaluation of local health and work programmes.

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29 Mehefin 2026

Scoping report: Labour Market Evidence Programme

This scoping report as part of the Labour Market Evidence programme provides a summary of the work undertaken by IES and L&W between October 2025 and March 2026 including user consultation. It summarises the evidence needs of local policy makers and sets out how these needs can be addressed.

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23 Mehefin 2026

VocTech Challenge: Skills for an Economy in Transition

The VocTech Challenge aims to accelerate the adoption and deployment of technology to help every adult in the UK get the skills they need to participate and benefit from our transitioning.

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18 Mehefin 2026

Labour Market Briefing: June 2026

Our analysis of the ONS labour market statistics, released on the morning of 18 June 2026.

Darllen mwy

18 Mehefin 2026

Labour market stats response, June 2026

L&W’s chief executive Stephen Evans responds to the latest labour market data from ONS.

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