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2011 - 2014 Community Plan »
Employment
Improving Employability for the local residents
Since the economic downturn began in 2008, unemployment in the
Liberton Gilmerton neighbourhood has more than doubled. In
addition to this, it is becoming increasingly difficult for young
people to access a positive destination. Whilst there are a number
of initiatives underway at national and city level such as the
Edinburgh Guarantee, the Neighbourhood Partnership believes
that we also need to identify actions locally to provide as much
support to local people as possible.
Being out of work not only affects the individuals involved, but
also their families, friendships and the wider community. This can
also lead to poor health and debt issues.
Some people need lots of support before they are ready to look
for a job. This could include help with reading and writing,
how to use computers and affordable childcare. Young people
may need even more help.
South Edinburgh is fortunate to have an Employability Hub
operating in the area at 13 Newtoft Street EH17 8RG (View Map).
The Hub is supported by
WEACT, part of the Edinburgh College and they provide a range
of services and support to help people into positive
destinations.
Updated: 26 March 2013
Next Meeting: 28 May 2013
The Education Training & Employment Group will take forward
the following actions:
ACTION
|
OUTCOME
|
PROGRESS TO DATE
|
| Identify and implement longer term/sustained IT
Support/Learning opportunities for all ages |
It is recognised that many residents (all ages) have identified
poor IT Skills as a major barrier therefore it is vital that this
can be supported to assist with online job hunting/applications and
to be better equipped for the online benefits application - October
2013 |
Baseline information highlighting availability of IT access and
support was completed February 2013. It is clear that local access
is patchy with limited access to public access computers. Concerns
will be highlighted to LGNP in preparation for the introduction of
Welfare reform and universal credit online application
process. |
| Identify the number of residents likely to be affected by the
changes to the online benefits claiming system and put in place
support opportunities |
By understanding the potential numbers of residents likely to
participate in the online benefits claiming process, we can be
better equipped/prepared to provide opportunities to provide
assistance locally |
A total of 604 tenancies were identified as being directly
affected as a result of the under occpancy reductions in benefits.
All tenants were invited to attend an open session for futher
information and support. To date, over 500 have made contact
locally to discuss the issues and how they will be affected. |
| Identify methods to involve appropriate financial institutions
to engage in local high schools |
It is vital that young people leaving school do so with
functioning bank accounts to assist with seeking employment and to
engage with Activity Agreements |
Gracemount High School hosted the service based 'Market Place'
on 20th March where 16 different services were on offer to over 120
school leavers. The activity is currently being evaluated and it is
hoped to expand the services to employers, banks etc in the
future. |
| Undertake a review of the support services aimed at engaging
young people into positive destinations with a view to creating
improved referral processes and throughcare/support |
Many young people are supported by different agencies with a
view to moving onto positive detinations. Young people requiring
additional skills or support can be better supported via a refined
referral process locally. |
The new employability pipeline model now puuls together all
aspects of employability and includes Caselink, a database that
assists to map an individuals progress between services and
aftercare. A full update on progress will be made later in the
year. |
Previous Updates:
1st May 2012
29
November 2012
