Universities, employers, and local leaders will be working together to create thousands of local jobs as the recovery from the pandemic gathers pace.
New research published by Universities UK (UUK), Universities and the UK’s economic recovery: an analysis of future impact, which was compiled by the National Centre for Entrepreneurship in Education (NCEE), predicts that over the next five years universities in the Yorkshire and Humber region will:
- Provide support to businesses and charities worth over £1.2 billion
- Give 3,500 years’ worth of upskilling and training to businesses and charities
- Help 1,000 new businesses and charities to be formed
- Train 14,000 nurses, 6,000 medics, 18,000 teachers*
The research is published as UUK launches #GettingResults – a campaign to put universities at the heart of the economic and social recovery – with a renewed commitment from universities to do even more to reach out to new partners locally and nationally and deliver even greater impact than currently estimated.
Throughout the pandemic, businesses, and a wide range of sectors not just within the Yorkshire and Humber region, but across the UK, have suffered greatly, leading to economic and social damage. The contributions made by universities and their students through knowledge and skills exchange, partnerships and support for local employers have huge potential to help businesses, industries, and other partners to continue, recover and thrive following the pandemic.
The skills of University of Hull graduates will also have an important role to play in the future success of businesses and sectors during the Covid-19 recovery process.
Professor Susan Lea, Vice-Chancellor at the University of Hull, said: “Universities in Yorkshire and the Humber are very much open for business and, as an anchor institution in our region, the University of Hull will continue to develop even closer links with industry and charities.“Our students, staff, researchers, and graduates have so much to offer, particularly in these challenging times.
“Working with our partners in the region, we must accelerate our collective endeavour and joint working to enable recovery from the pandemic and bring benefit to local people and organisations.”
Professor Julia Buckingham CBE, Universities UK’s President, said: “By working closely with their partners, including local government and employers, universities will play a vital role in the UK’s post-recovery. Together, they can contribute significantly to future economic success and improve lives. Moving forward it is important that employers fully take advantage of universities’ support and develop productive relationships so the region can bounce back stronger from the pandemic.”
Find out more about Universities UK’s #GettingResults campaign.
* These forecasts are based on Higher Education Statistics Agency, ONS and Innovate UK data, compiled by the National Centre for Entrepreneurship in Education (NCEE).
