New Report Highlights Need for Collective Action to Support Young People into Work
15 Jul 2026
A major new City-REDI at theUniversity of Birmingham report commissioned by The Rigby Foundation and The Sir Peter Rigby Charitable Trust has called for urgent action to improve employment outcomes for young people in Birmingham and across the West Midlands. Inspiring Futures: Improving Employment Outcomes for Young People in Birmingham highlights a 49% decline in starter jobs over the past decade and identifies work experience, AI readiness, employer engagement and careers guidance as priorities for action.
Drawing on extensive research with regional employers, educators, young people and policymakers, the report proposes four areas for action:
- Transforming access to high-quality work experience;
- Building AI readiness;
- Strengthening employer engagement and promoting local opportunities;
- Delivering more effective careers guidance.
The Foundation has committed to supporting Birmingham City Council and the West Midlands Combined Authority on the implementation of the recommendations including investment in the proposed Birmingham Work Experience Passport.
The Rigby family are grateful to the City-REDI research team and all those who contributed their expertise and insights. In particular, the Advisory Group members from across business, education, government, the voluntary sector and youth employment organisations, whose guidance was invaluable. We also thank the schools, employers, young people and other stakeholders who took part in interviews, surveys, focus groups and the call for evidence, helping to shape the findings and recommendations presented.