ALT "How support is delivered matters as much as what is delivered. Across sites, a consistent pattern is emerging: accessible, highly flexible, community based provision supports initial engagement; trusted relationships sustain that engagement over time; and this in turn enables improvements in confidence, wellbeing and stability, which often precede movement into work."

ALT "The UK labour market remains weak. Vacancies have fallen to their lowest level since early 2021, early estimates suggest payrolled employment has dropped sharply and real pay growth has slowed to a standstill. Real pay growth in the private sector is below inflation and at its lowest level since 2020. While unemployment is at 5%, the youth unemployment rate remains nearly three times higher. With the Milburn review due to report this month, it is critical that the government builds a clear understanding of what is driving this increase and takes concerted action to ensure more young people can access support to find work and training opportunities."

ALT "Despite a modest fall in unemployment, the UK labour market remains weak overall. Economic inactivity has risen, with fewer people actively looking for work. Following early signs of stabilisation, vacancies and payrolled employment have fallen, with early estimates indicating a drop of over 14,000 retail jobs. Real pay growth has continued to slow, with annual regular pay growth up just 0.2% in December 2025 to February 2026, meaning wages are barely keeping pace with living costs. Amid heightened global instability and economic uncertainty, it's vital that the government works with employers to rebuild momentum in the labour market and support people back into work."

ALT Quote from Emily Kramers, "I believe employers can gain a great deal from hiring older workers and I would encourage them to be open-minded about engaging with older applicants interested in reinventing their career, and consider the value of transferable skills and what extensive life experience may bring to an organisation. And for those looking to change course, I would say that it’s never too late to give it a try!"

ALT Quote from Duncan Brown, "Despite some additions, this general alignment with the current gender reporting regime should substantially reduce the workload for UK employers, both compared to the set-up-from-scratch preparation involved for complying with the 2017 regulations, and in comparison with European employers."

ALT Quote from Nick Litsardopoulos, "The jobs market is witnessing a “double squeeze” of economic stagnation (leading to employer caution) and the rapid integration of generative AI that seems to be automating some of the entry-level tasks traditionally used to train new workers. Until economies expand and create demand for new skills and expertise, the market will likely continue to face a volatile period of suppressed hiring."

ALT Quote from Astrid Allen, "Single parents don’t want special treatment. They want fair access to good work, the ability to progress, and the chance to contribute fully without being penalised for the structure of their family. Flexible working (done well) can unlock that."