Development and Delivery of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council Labour Market Partnership Return to Work Programme 2026/2027

Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council (ABC or ‘the Council’) is the

largest local authority outside of Belfast with a resident population of over 217,000 people.

The Borough has a strong and diverse economy with 9,255 VAT and/or PAYE registered

businesses, an increase of 3.6 percent on 2021 (the largest increase of all LGD areas),

accounting for 11.7 percent of all such businesses in Northern Ireland. The borough

boasts a thriving entrepreneurial and diverse business base ranging from innovative small

to medium enterprises (SME’s) to global brands. The Council recognises that a skilled,

flexible, and resilient workforce is key to the recovery and growth of the local economy

and to achieving our vision for the Borough to be a place where all people can prosper.

This means every person being able to access the opportunities available, regardless of

background or circumstance. This reflects the Council’s desire to help people, families,

businesses, and communities to do well, succeed, and flourish. To achieve this vision, the

Council is committed to tackling the issues that exist in society which prevent equal

opportunities for all to achieve their full potential and lead a fulfilled life. We are 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 ABC Council area has a dynamic and responsive skills system.