Salford City Council is set to take a bold step in improving support for young people who are Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET), by bringing the delivery of the existing services in-house from spring 2026.
The move will mark a significant shift in how the city supports some of its most vulnerable young residents with access to jobs and training. By integrating the NEET service into the council’s Skills and Work team, the council intends to deliver a more responsive, flexible and joined-up offer that better meets the needs of young people across Salford.
This change is part of the council’s wider commitment to becoming a Child Friendly City, ensuring that every young person has the opportunity to thrive. It also supports Salford’s Good Growth ambitions and the drive to tackle inequality through inclusive employment pathways.
Councillor Teresa Pepper, Lead Member for Skills, Work and Business Support at Salford City Council, said:
“We know we need to do better for our young people. This decision is about putting them at the heart of the service, ensuring they get the right support at the right time. By bringing the service in-house, we can be more agile, more accountable, and more ambitious in how we help young people move forward.”
Salford City Council believes that direct delivery will allow for better integration with existing services and stronger partnerships with schools, employers and youth services. The council is committed to working closely with all parties to ensure continuity and quality of support throughout the transitional period. The focus remains firmly on improving outcomes for young people, particularly those facing the greatest barriers to jobs and training.
The proposal has been welcomed by the Children and Young People’s Leadership Team and is seen as a key opportunity to enhance the city’s offer to young people, aligning with the Employment and Skills Strategy.
Salford City Council will now begin preparations for the transition, including consultation with young people, staff and partners, with the new service expected to launch in April 2026.
