Somerset Council

Community Employment Hubs: a valuable resource for businesses seeking employees

Somerset Film YouTube thumbnail for “The Somerset Community Employment Hub” showing a person seated beside books including How To Go To Work.

One of the aims of our 2025-45 Economic Prosperity Strategy for Somerset is to encourage back into the workplace individuals with valuable skillsets who, for one reason or another, have dropped out of the workplace.

Although employment levels in Somerset are above the UK average, over 58,000 people in Somerset are economically inactive – but many of these wish to work. We’re working with employers and external support providers to bring 7,000 economically inactive people back into meaningful employment by 2035, and by 2045 to have no areas of Somerset within the 10% most deprived nationally.

To assist with these aims, and secure long‑term economic prosperity, we’re offering Community Employment Hubs (CEHs). Delivered from Libraries at 13 locations across Somerset, CEHs offer free:

  • local support,
  • tailored advice,
  • job search help,
  • training access, and
  • host employer events; a ‘one-stop shop’ for people seeking employment, but anxious about getting back into the workplace.

The CEHs environment is drop‑in, welcoming, and relaxed. The aim is to match skillsets with local employment opportunities and equip visitors with everything they need – signposting and a single point of contact.

Working with over 40 partners, such as SBA and the DWP, CEHs are resolving barriers to employment – such as debt, housing and transport – boosting confidence and inclusion, and making a measurable impact on individuals.

CEHs support individuals who are unemployed or underemployed to access, sustain, and thrive in meaningful and fulfilling employment. They also provide targeted support to those facing significant challenges to remaining in work, helping them to maintain and flourish in their roles. This includes connecting and aligning work, health and skills support.

If you run a business in Somerset and are seeking local skills and employees; would like to know more; or would like to host an employer event at a CEH near you: