Surrey jobseekers can find work, learn new skills and access employment support in a single, simple and accessible way via Surrey County Council’s new STEP Surrey gateway services portal. 

Latest figures show that more than one in six people of working age in Surrey (17.9%) are not currently in work. 

Of these, 22,400 people want to work but are unable to find suitable employment. Barriers include education (30%), long-term health conditions (20.2%) and care responsibilities (19%).  

STEP Surrey aims to change that, providing a single gateway for those looking for work, regardless of their circumstances, background or experience. 

The aim is to make it easier for job seekers to access the help and support they need, while helping local employers fill vacancies and skills gaps. 

Visitors will be able to access a live jobs board updated twice a day brings thousands of live jobs together into a single platform. 

Those who need extra support will be able to contact dedicated experts who can provide bespoke guidance to find work and learn new skills. 

STEP Surrey was launched last week at the first ever Surrey Skills Conference, which brought 200 employers, education, academia and government delegates to discuss how skills can power the county’s future economy. 

It was organised by the council, in partnership with Surrey Chambers of Commerce, with keynote contributions from Robert West, Head of Employment and Skills at the Confederation of British Industry and Holly Hobbs, a Gen-Z influencer and co-founder of urfuture. 

Key topics included how to make the most of the transfer of skills powers locally from government and addressing challenges, such as driving business growth by equipping those out of work with the skills employers need to thrive. 

Delegates also learned more about upcoming government-funded programmes available in Surrey.  

This includes Connect to Work, which will support 2,500 people with complex barriers to work into local employment over the next five years; and WorkWell, which provides coaching to those with health challenges to get into, return to and stay in work.  

Councillor Matt Furniss, Surrey County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Economic Growth, said: “Surrey is a diverse, vibrant and well-connected region contributing more than £50 billion a year to the UK economy – we have a great economic story to tell.  

“But beyond those headlines, we know there are challenges, not least the tens of thousands of residents who are currently out of work but want to work. 

“This renewed focus to work, health, economic inactivity and skills, alongside ongoing devolution, means for the first time we can shape our approach to skills and employment across a single Surrey footprint.  

“STEP Surrey is central to that mission – making it easier for every resident to access the training, support and opportunities they need to thrive in our local economy.” 

To access skills, training and employment support, visit www.stepsurrey.co.uk. 

—ENDS— 

Robert West of the CBI and Holly Hobbs of urfuture, keynote speakers at the Surrey Skills Conference

Holly Hobbs of urfuture speaking at the Surrey Skills Conference

Panel discussion at the Surrey Skills Conference

SCC leader Tim Oliver, SCC director for economy Dawn Redpath and chair of the Business Leaders Forum Chris Hurren at the launch of STEP Surrey

Employers, education providers and government were among those attending the Surrey Skills Conference