Written evidence submitted
by East Lothian Council
SUMMARY
1. East Lothian Council, in partnership with
Volunteer Development East Lothian, the East Lothian Voluntary
Organisations Network and the East Lothian Learning Partnership,
was successful in an initial bid (2009) to create 26 quality jobs
for young people. A second application was submitted (March 2010)
for the creation of 38 job opportunities for unemployed young
people in East Lothian. Unfortunately this bid was halted due
to the decision to terminate the FJF programme.
2. Each bid outlined that the employees would
be provided with suitable training and offered support to help
guide them throughout the six months. In addition, East Lothian
Council's Adult Guidance and Counselling Service was on hand to
provide extra support to those that require assistance. Help and
advice on developing CV's, successful interview techniques and
searching for a job were all available. Specific training for
each job enhanced the skills and knowledge of the young people
to ensure they were equipped to gain sustained employment.
3. On completion of the six month job opportunity
there was a guaranteed interview with East Lothian Council (if
the minimum criteria were met for an advertised job). There was
the opportunity of a guaranteed interview at Jewel and Esk College.
EXTENT TO
WHICH THE
FJF HAS SUCCEEDED
IN MATCHING
NEW WORK
EXPERIENCE OPPORTUNITIES
TO YOUNG
UNEMPLOYED PEOPLE
4. FJF met and exceeded expectations of matching
new job opportunities to long-term unemployed young people. Out
of a potential 26 jobs, 24 young people were employed in a variety
of positions. Levels of education, skills and experience varied
greatly but for many of the newly-created positions there was
a high demand with many applicants.
5. The FJF process of referrals was very effective
in ensuring eligible candidates, those in greatest need of practical
work experience, were aware of the job opportunities and able
to apply without competing with candidates with greater experience
and skills in the current economic climate.
STRENGTHS AND
WEAKNESSES OF
THE FJF PROGRAMME
FROM THE
PERSPECTIVE OF
PROVIDERS (INCLUDING
IN THE
THIRD SECTOR),
EMPLOYERS AND
YOUNG UNEMPLOYED
PEOPLE, AND
PARTICULARLY IN
RELATION TO
THE LONG-TERM
SUSTAINABILITY OF
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
6. FJF created real, practical work experience
for young people who were paid a decent salary. They were provided
with relevant transferable training, skills and knowledge. FJF
gave young people an opportunity to develop and change their lives.
7. The programme provided an opportunity to create
new jobs with a social and/or environmental benefit. The jobs
created were new and would not have been available otherwise.
All jobs added to service delivery in the public and third sector.
So not only were the jobs benefitting the young people but also
the wider community.
8. Although public sector funding should be transparent
and provide an audit trail the FJF, at times was a burden due
to the large amount of bureaucracy involved. Dealing with different
parts of DWP was sometimes frustrating and there was scope to
improve communication.
9. It was a weakness of the programme that funding
was only available for a six month period; this is a short period
of time. For many young people they have just become settled and
determined to continue developing when the job experience comes
to an end. Some employers have been able to offer the young people
a positive destination but some simple lack funding to retain
the young people. The current economic climate is continuing to
make it hard for these young people to find employment. Despite
that, a number have moved on to full-time permanent employment,
which they would not have been able to achieve without these opportunities.
THE LIKELY
IMPACT OF
THE DECISION
TO END
THE FJF IN
MARCH 2011 RATHER
THAN MARCH
2012
10. The impact of the decision to end FJF in
East Lothian has been negative. The partnership learnt from the
initial bid and was able to extend the number of job opportunities
in the second unsuccessful bid (due to the cancellation of the
programme). There is demand in East Lothian but without funding
such positive opportunities will be limited. Youth unemployment
is continuing to rise with greater number of young people without
positive destinations. These young people are unable to compete
in the current job market as they lack experience, skills and
education.
1 September 2010
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