The 5% Club has published its 2025–26 Impact Report, showcasing a year of purposeful growth, increased national influence, and continued leadership in inclusive workplace learning.
Launched during the organisation’s Summer Reception at the House of Lords, the report highlights how The 5% Club has strengthened its position as the UK’s leading employer-led movement for skills, social mobility and “earn and learn” opportunities.
During 2025, membership grew to 1,263 employer organisations, collectively representing more than two million employees, including 94,000 apprentices, 23,000 graduates and 12,500 sponsored students. The report also highlights the continued expansion of the Club’s Accredited Membership Programme, with 252 employers participating in the 2025 Employer Audit.
“This organisation has never been more purposeful, more credible, or more consequential,” said Mark Cameron OBE, Chief Executive of The 5% Club. “This report marks the beginning of a decisive next phase for The 5% Club – one defined by clarity of role, discipline of execution and confidence of focus.”
Key highlights from the report include:
- Membership growth to 1,263 employer organisations, with more than two million employees represented across the network.
- 252 employers participated in the 2025 Employer Audit, with 78 Platinum, 137 Gold, 30 Silver and 7 Bronze accredited members recognised for excellence in workplace learning.
- Launch of the Skills Summit at the British Library, attracting more than 230 attendees and achieving a 9.3/10 satisfaction score.
- Expansion of policy engagement through direct dialogue with Skills England, DWP and senior policymakers via the Business Leadership Council chaired by Rt Hon Anne Milton.
- Introduction of the Skills Gauge employer pulse survey, providing real-time employer insight into workforce growth, skills reform and labour market confidence.
- Continued development of Special Interest Groups, including the Armed Forces SIG and emerging sector-led collaboration around defence and infrastructure skills challenges.
- Launch of the “Take Five” podcast series, sharing employer insight and practical examples of how apprenticeships and workplace learning support workforce growth, inclusion and productivity.
The report also sets out The 5% Club’s strategic priorities for the coming year, including continued growth of Accredited Membership, the launch of The 5% Club Academy digital platform, expansion of consultancy support for employers, and increased evidence-led engagement with Government and Skills England.
David Mercer, Chair of Trustees, said: “In a field where good intentions are common but reliable evidence is rare, this commitment to verification is what gives The 5% Club its authority and, ultimately, its usefulness.”
As economic uncertainty, technological change and workforce shortages continue to reshape the UK labour market, the report reinforces the importance of employer leadership in creating accessible, inclusive and high-quality workplace learning opportunities.
The 5% Club continues to champion a simple but ambitious mission: inspiring positive employer action for increased, inclusive and accessible workplace learning opportunities for all.
