Cumbria is developing a new response to economic inactivity

People who are not in work or currently looking for work are often called “economically inactive.” We understand that there can be many reasons for this.

Westmorland and Furness Council, working with Cumberland Council, is researching economic inactivity in Cumbria. We know there are lots of reasons why people may be economically inactive, and we want to understand better what these are, so that we can plan and build better supports to help people address the challenges they face. We also want to understand the barriers people can face that make it difficult for them to remain in work, and what this means for them and for employers.

Economic inactivity is a persistent and growing issue in Cumbria, affecting people’s life chances and impacting on the strength of the local economy. This research is an opportunity for us to explore your priorities, identify the challenges you face, and better understand your experiences.

We want to hear the views of a broad range of groups and people, including employers, including via the surveys below:

We will also carry out some 1-1 conversations with organisations who provide support services to help people overcome barriers to work.

The study will play a key role in shaping the evidence base for Cumbria’s Get Britain Working Plan, ensuring that future interventions are grounded in real-life experiences, based on robust data and evidence, and reflect a shared understanding across partners. 

 We will keep this website updated with study progress. We aim to be speaking to people throughout July and August and a report of our findings will be produced in September 2025.