Issue - meetings

Consideration was given to report of the Corporate Director Regeneration & Community Services.

The Employment Liaison Officer presented the report which provided an update on the progress of the DWP Kickstart Scheme and Blaenau Gwent CBC role as a gateway organisation for local

businesses seeking to access the programme. 

The Officer went through the report and highlighted points contained therein.

A Member asked who was responsible for providing ongoing support for the young people in placements to ensure a positive experience; and also support for the employers in managing the process, thus providing a good experience for young people.

The Employment Liaison Officer explained that during the initial application employers were required to provide an Employability Plan highlighting what they intended to provide during the placement, and this was monitored by DWP.  In terms of the individuals on the placements, they would be supported by the Job Centre and Work Coaches, and we would also keep in touch to ensure they are receiving that support.

A discussion ensued when the Officer clarified points raised by a Member regarding the scheme.

A Member asked whether it was the role of DWP to look for longer term employment for these young people after the placement to prevent them going back into the benefits system; and also what was being done to ensure that the process was not being exploited.

The Officer explained that the Kickstart Scheme was marketed as a 6 month placement.  There was nothing to state that an employer had to provide employment following this period.  She confirmed that DWP did undertake checks to ensure businesses were able to sustain the number of placements provided. 

The Member said the most important thing was to ensure that young people coming to the end of their placements was to get them into programmes to help them into further work.

The Team Manager Connected Communities pointed out that the Council’s influence was limited as this was a DWP programme, but the fact that local companies were getting involved was positive and they were more likely to offer sustained employment.  She said the Team’s engagement with businesses was intensive to ensure the application was developed in a thorough way to ensure employment was sustained at the end of the process.  She also pointed out that this was one of many programmes in place in Blaenau Gwent seeking long term sustained employment.

A discussion ensued when a Member asked that an update be provided to a future meeting, and the Employment Liaison Officer undertook to provide this information.

In response to a question raised by a Member the Officer explained that employers would receive £1,500 for each person to provide relevant training, and uniforms etc. 

The Committee AGREED to recommend that the report be accepted and noted the contents of the report and outcomes to date (Option 1).