Hertfordshire partners have come together to reduce economic inactivity and open up better work opportunities for residents across the county.

The plan responds directly to what people, employers, community organisations and health partners said they need. Today, around 130,000 working‑age adults in Hertfordshire are economically inactive, and 15,000-25,000 of them say they want to work and could do so with the right support.

Many face barriers such as long‑term health conditions, caring responsibilities, loss of confidence, or limited access to transport. The new plan brings together Hertfordshire County Council, Hertfordshire Futures, Jobcentre Plus, the NHS, employers, colleges, and the voluntary sector to join up support, build clearer routes into work, and ensure that growth across the county benefits everyone.

A people‑first plan for an ambitious, growing Hertfordshire

Hertfordshire is already home to world‑leading sectors – from life sciences and digital innovation to creative industries and clean energy. But partners agree that growth only matters if everyone can access the opportunities they create.

The plan commits partners to:

• Make work possible for more people with health conditions
• Reduce the number of young people not in education, employment or training (NEET)
• Help employers support their staff’s wellbeing and adapt jobs where needed
• Encourage progression so people can thrive, not just get by
• Improve access to employment across every part of the county, including new and growing communities

These commitments form the Hertfordshire Pledge, a shared promise to act together over the next decade.

Adrian Hawkins OBE, Chair, Hertfordshire Futures, said: “Hertfordshire’s economy is strong and growing, but businesses of all sizes tell us they can’t find the staff they need. At the same time, thousands of local people want to work but face real barriers. This plan is about closing that gap. It gives employers clearer support, encourages inclusive recruitment, and helps people build the skills and confidence to succeed. When employers and communities work together, everyone benefits.”

Kate Vaughton, Executive Director, Neighbourhood Health, Place & Partnerships, NHS Central East Integrated Care Board, said: “Too many people in Hertfordshire want to work but feel held back by poor health, anxiety, or a lack of confidence. This plan tackles those challenges head‑on. By bringing health and employment support closer together, we can help people feel well enough – and confident enough – to take the next step. Work is not just about income; it’s about independence, connection and purpose. I’m proud that health partners are at the heart of this effort to help more residents thrive.”

Cllr Steve Jarvis, Leader, Hertfordshire County Council, said: “This is a practical, ambitious plan rooted in real local insight. It recognises that no single organisation can solve these challenges alone. By joining up health, skills, transport, employment support, and local planning, we can make it easier for people to find good work wherever they live. As we develop our new Local Growth Plan, we will ensure that access to jobs, training and services is built into the future of every community.”

Dave Cope, Department for Work and Pensions Service Leader, Hertfordshire and Essex, said: “Jobcentre Plus teams meet people every day who want to work but face very real barriers - from health conditions to caring responsibilities or simply not knowing where to start. This plan brings together the right partners to change that. By improving how we identify people who need support, strengthening signposting between services, and making our local employment system easier to navigate, we can help far more residents move towards good, sustainable jobs. The scale of collaboration behind this plan is impressive, and DWP is fully committed to playing our part in delivering it.”

Read the Get Hertfordshire Working Plan 2025-2035