The Everyday Economy

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Why it matters

Our Growth Plan targets high-growth sectors like advanced manufacturing and professional services, while recognising that 63% of jobs are in the everyday economy—healthcare, education, retail, and more. These roles are essential but often low-paid. Improving pay, training, and staff engagement boosts productivity. Local authorities influence outcomes through employment and procurement. The social economy—nearly 10,000 organisations and 103,000 jobs—is vital. WMCA leads nationally in supporting this sector through funding and programmes like the Social Economy Business Skills Programme, but more is needed to unlock its full potential.

Man in wheelchair lifting weights in the gym

What we want to see in 10 years

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More residents in jobs across the everyday economy that are good-quality and pay at least the Real Living Wage.

To increase the number and impact of social economy organisations.

What we will deliver in three years

A West Midlands Good Work Charter.

A West Midlands Social Value Statement.

A pilot project to support everyday economy workers in the care sector.

Investment in skills, training, business development and entrepreneurship.

A £100,000 pilot project with Big Issue Invest to establish a pipeline of social impact investments in entrepreneurship across the West Midlands.

An enhanced Social Economy Support Programme.

Investment in social housing, affordable and accessible transport and making homes more energy efficient.

What change will feel like for residents and businesses

Residents will have more money, higher living standards and flexible and secure work to help balance life and caring roles, giving them a greater voice in the workplace. This will increase staff recruitment, motivation, development and retention, benefiting businesses and residents’ living standards with BJS Home Delivery, an example of good practice from within the West Midlands.

Driving inclusive growth, our investments in small businesses and the social economy will help them expand and increase their turnover, strengthen communities and put more money into local high streets. It will also improve residents’ health outcomes, as good work and less poverty improve physical and mental well-being.