The population of the Borough stands at just over 218,000, of which 132,000 are of working age. Within 30 minutes drive time of central Barnsley, there is a workforce of 1.3 million and within 60 minutes, a workforce of 4.5 million people.

The claimant count unemployment rate has been falling steadily for a number of years to below that of other areas – an indication of the strengthened local economy. However, there is still a readily available pool of unemployed people.

With five highly respected universities in Barnsley (part of the University of Huddersfield), Sheffield and Leeds, whose graduates often prefer to remain in Yorkshire, there are many more skills and competencies available. These universities also offer opportunities for research and development.

Barnsley has a workforce with a diverse range of skills. There is a large labour pool of skilled manual workers as well as people with professional, technical and managerial skills. In addition, current pay rates are very competitive compared with other locations.