Appendix 1
Response from Helen Barkham, Joblink Manager,
East Staffordshire Borough Council
Inquiry into employability and jobs: Is there a jobs
gap?
I am responding to your communication dated 10 August,
Ref: 506/99 by providing comment on Section D.
I am a project manager of a successful SRB/ESF funded
project which links local people to jobs created through new investment
in the Burton area (brochure attached).
It was envisaged that some delivery of the project
would be carried out through Burton Job Centre—where there
would be access to new employers placing vacancies for jobs in
the area and to unemployed people who are looking for work. However,
because of Employment Service policy, we have not been able to
maximise opportunities, as we would have liked.
The main source of the problems seems to be evolved
around the E.S. translation of the equal opportunities policy.
1. The Employment Service cannot identify
eligible job seekers as they feel this gives them preference over
others when competing for jobs.
2. E.S. will not tell new or expanding employers about the
funding. However, on request, they will identify eligible candidates,
but once employers have made their final selection.
3. Because of lack of space at our job centre we have not
been given permission to "floor walk" to discuss Joblink
opportunities with SRB residents. Also, we cannot advertise at
the job centre as they are only allowed to display their own corporate
publicity.
4. Because all action between employer, job seeker and the
E.S. must take place on E.S. premises—this stipulation and
the other three items I have mentioned make "PARTNERSHIP"
between this local authority and the E.S. very difficult to implement.
Therefore! We have identified a gap—as the
funding Burton has gained to provide enhancement to existing provision
so that disadvantaged people find work . . . is "by passing"
the EMPLOYMENT SERVICE . . . who have to place these people into
employment.
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