Exeter's strong economy benefits workers at all skill levels

Published: 7 March 2019

Exeter’s strong economy helps provide employment opportunities right across the spectrum – from lower skilled jobs to high end careers – a new report has revealed.

The latest Centre for Cities study says Exeter – along with Oxford and Cambridge – has greater opportunities for those in low skilled jobs to progress upwards and develop their skills.

“The capacity for high-skilled industries to create more jobs at all levels of the socio-economic spectrum means that low-skilled people working in southern English cities (such as Exeter) are less likely to be unemployed as those living in the North or Midlands,” says the study.

In Exeter there are more low-skilled jobs than people chasing them. The picture in the North is entirely the opposite, with low-skilled people living in Middlesborough twice more likely to be unemployed than those living in the South.

The report stresses that: “For every 10 high-skilled jobs in a city, 17 further jobs for low skilled people are created as a result, such as those in shops or restaurants.

Cllr Rachel Sutton, Lead Councillor for Economy and Culture, said: “By supporting organisations like the University and businesses moving into the Science Park, we are in effect helping provide employment opportunities right across the spectrum.

“This is good news for everyone in the city and once again demonstrates that Exeter is moving in the right direction.”

To read the full report go to https://www.centreforcities.org/