Earlier this week, Knowsley’s Inclusive Growth and Skills Scrutiny Committee has received an update on the work of the council’s employment, skills and business growth and support provision in Knowsley.
The update highlighted that Knowsley Council continues to make strong progress in supporting businesses to create jobs and supporting residents of all ages into employment.
Unemployment Continues to Fall
Knowsley has recorded the biggest drop in unemployment across Merseyside – a fall of 13% over the past year. Economic activity (in employment or actively looking for work) in the borough is now broadly in line with the national average, and wages are rising steadily.
A Growing and Resilient Business Community
Knowsley is home to thousands of businesses, ranging from small businesses established by local entrepreneurs to large multinationals. Knowsley Business Park alone is home to more than 800 businesses and is one of the largest business parks in the Northwest.
Joined Up Business and Investment Support
The Invest Knowsley team offers ‘one front door’ for all business support and investment enquiries. Invest Knowsley provides access to a range of council services and support from Knowsley Chamber of Commerce. This joined-up approach has helped entrepreneurs, businesses, and developers invest in the area. Over the past decade we have seen more than 1,000 new businesses launch in Knowsley.
The Business Growth team and Knowsley Chamber provide a comprehensive, joined-up package of support — including expert advice, specialist services, networking, business intelligence and major events — to help local businesses start, grow and invest. This partnership approach strengthens relationships with businesses, supports inward investment and job creation, and contributes to Knowsley’s wider economic growth and community wellbeing.
Support for Residents
A number of programmes delivered by Knowsley Council are helping people into work, with more support on the way:
- Knowsley Works has supported thousands of residents into employment and works closely with hundreds of local businesses.
- The Restart Programme, now extended to 2027, has helped 370 people into work so far.
- Connect to Work launches in March and will offer specialist help to residents with health conditions or complex barriers.
- The Youth Guarantee Trailblazer is helping young people aged 18–21 access paid work placements, mentoring and training.
World of Work: A new programme for Knowsley schools
From April 2026, all Knowsley secondary schools will take part in the new World of Work programme. This will provide careers sessions, employer talks, mock interviews and workplace visits starting in Year 7, helping pupils build confidence and understand the opportunities available to them.
Workforce, Skills & Employer Needs
Developing a resilient, skilled and healthy workforce remains essential for Knowsley’s economic growth, with ongoing work to improve residents’ skills, strengthen employer‑led training, and support workplace wellbeing through programmes such as Working Well, which is delivered in partnership with Knowsley Chamber.
Opportunities for Young People & SEND Learners
The Youth Chamber, established in 2024, raises pupils’ aspirations by connecting Knowsley students with local employers, expanding school participation, and developing new opportunities for post‑16 and younger learners.
Knowsley’s SEND employment programmes support young people to build confidence, develop employability skills and explore pathways into adulthood through activities such as employer engagement, workplace visits and enterprise projects, with 73 learners taking part in 2024–25.
Programmes including Empower Job Design and Supported Internships have created tailored paid roles and achieved strong progression outcomes, with 12 residents moving into paid work through Empower and nearly half of internship participants securing employment.
This overall package is designed to support the growth plans of our businesses and the creation of jobs, and to support residents taking advantage of these opportunities.