For regional economies to thrive, levels of economic participation must be as high as possible. Exclusion not only has a significant adverse economic impact, but also negative social effects with unemployment directly linked to increased poverty, poor health and low educational standards. Concentrations of economic inactivity occur throughout the UK and have become one of the major causes of regional disparities.

Each RDA works to overcome the barriers to economic inclusion, whether through increasing access to jobs, providing learning opportunities for basic as well as higher level skills and through projects targeted at encouraging enterprise among disadvantaged groups.

Examples of RDA activity include:

  • AWM have launched a £1m programme called ‘Routes to Opportunity’ to help Black and Ethnic Minority (BME) organisations bid successfully for public sector contracts. It will help provide better access to training, coaching, business support, finance and advice.
  • EEDA have piloted innovative approaches to help women fulfil their enterprise potential such as holding events to galvanise action in areas of multiple deprivation. More widely, RDAs are well on the way to recruiting 900 women’s enterprise ambassadors.
  • emda has placed economic well–being at the heart of their Regional Index of Sustainable Wellbeing — which addresses disparities within the region and has a clear focus on ambitions for cohesive, inclusive and participative communities.
  • LDA launched the second round of its Opportunities Fund in 2006 which targets third sector organisations to provide skills and regeneration projects for women, disabled people and BME groups.
  • NWDA have been working with the Princes Trust to help disadvantaged young people develop transferable skills and take their first steps into work, education and training.
  • ONE has led a multi-agency approach setting out recommendations to improve employment opportunities and support the retention of people with mental health problems.
  • SEEDA are leading a programme to support the social enterprise sector through promoting a culture of shared understanding and organisational practice between the public, private and third sector.
  • SWRDA ‘Act now’ has promoted enterprise to remote communities through the UK’s first broadband partnership
  • Yorkshire Forward has helped to provide public transport access for economically disadvantaged groups, help for companies support those with health problems or childcare needs.

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