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ABC LMP Action Plan 2022/23 (14 March 2022) Page | 3 1.0 Introduction In early 2021 the Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Labour Market Partnership ( ABC LMP) was established through the coming together of a wide range of stakeholders and partners under the existing Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council’s (ABC) Community Planning framework. In-depth strategic assessment was undertaken, including engagement with statutory partners and consultation with local business and community representatives, to identify employability and labour market issues and challenges specific to the ABC Borough. This information informed the development of the ABC LMP Action Plan. The purpose of the Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Labour Market Partnership is to support local people to get closer to work and into work. At the heart of the ABC Labour Market Partnership is the need to ensure that a quality skills provision is driven by demand for skills in the economy, leading to reduced unemployment. 2.0 Executive Summary ABC Council is committed to working with a wide range of stakeholders to drive productivity and inclusive growth through investment in skills, enabling businesses and supporting people to achieve and excel. This includes ensuring that the Borough has a dynamic, resilient, flexible and responsive skills system aligned to local industry needs, both now and in the future. The aim is for citizens in our Borough to have the skills, information, support and opportunities to succeed in the labour market so they can make informed choices, have equitable outcomes and effective career pathways. This document details the work of the ABC LMP in carrying out a Strategic Assessment and agreeing the resultant Action Plan. 3.0 Policy Context for Employability and Skills in ABC In the policy context of economic recovery plans, the draft Programme for Government, the Mid South West Growth Deal (MSW), the ABC Borough’s next Local Development Plan, the ABC Community Plan and Corporate Plan and the ABC Recovery & Growth Framework are all considered. This Acton Plan prioritises initiatives which will support local people to get closer to work and into work as part of the Council’s commitment to short-term recovery and long-term inclusive economic growth. In line with LMP guidance, particular attention has been paid to the Local Community Plan, the Programme for Government and the Council’s Corporate Plan. The Reform of Local Government created an opportunity to establish a new Council covering a wider geographical area with increased powers at its disposal. ABC Council formed in 2015 has put in place a range of innovative structures to ensure it has become a stronger, more dynamic and unified unit, providing its citizens with