Agenda item
Quarter 2 Performance Report 2019/2020- Employment and Skills
Minutes:
Councillor Shaikh, the
Executive Member for Inclusive Economy and Jobs, presented the Q1
Performance Indicator Report.
In the discussion, the
following points were discussed.
·
Members were informed that 677 residents had been
supported back into work through its Employment Partnership,
against the profiled target of 500. The Partnership aims to
increase employment for Islington residents by co-location of
partners, and continue sharing information on vacancies and other
local opportunities. The Executive Member advised that local
partners had signed up to this new way of working to create a
coherent and comprehensive offer to residents who are unemployed or
require in work support.
·
The meeting was advised that performances were
strong over Q2 and that targets will be met over the course of the
year. The Executive Member reiterated that the profiled targets for
of all the priority groups have been exceeded and welcomed in
particular the positive direction of travel on the same period for
last year.
·
Members were informed that more work needs to be
done with regards providing employment support for parents of
children aged 0-18 into work. The Service continues to work with
schools on this issue, and recognises that both data collection and
sharing is paramount in resolving this area.
·
Members were informed that only 26 Islington
residents had been supported into Council apprenticeship against
the profile target of 52 and although there was an autumn intake of
16 apprentices in Q2, compared to 2 in the previous quarter, the
reforms introduced have broadened the range, quality and
organisational relevance of apprenticeships available.
·
The Executive Member reiterated to Members that as
new specialist training is often longer, this reduces the volume of
new starts but enhances the value of the experience for
apprentices. For example 6 Housing Property Service Apprenticeship
post created in 2018 were not filled in 2019 until the current
apprentices had completed especially as these post span a 2 year
training period.
·
Members were reminded about the National
Apprenticeship Week 2020 taking place between 3-8 February, an
opportunity to bring the whole apprenticeship community together to
celebrate the impact of apprenticeship on individuals, employer and
the economy.
·
With regards to Adult and Community Learning
Courses, the Executive Member acknowledged that in 2018/19, 1,497
learners enrolled across accredited learning provision, 100 less
than the previous year. Members were advised that this decline is
in line with the national trend. Members were reminded that
irrespective of this decline and achievement rates, the last few
years have been consistently high as Islington remains one of the
top 5 ACL services in London based on National Achievement rates.
Members were introduced to the new Head of Adult Community
Learning, Ahmed Akeel.
·
On the issue of sustainment in work, members were
informed that although iWork has commenced monitoring of sustained
outcomes at 13,26 and 52 weeks, the
Service needs to consider how to develop its relationship with this
cohort especially with employers. Members were advised that the
Service has dedicated a resource within the team to enable a more
systematic process of monitoring sustainability through regular
follow up with both the resident and employer. The Executive Member
indicated that officers will report back to committee at a future
meeting on this issue.
·
In response to concerns that Council was not using
its influence to encourage employers located within the borough to
provide opportunities for the unemployed young adults, the
Executive Member acknowledged that the Council recognises the high
number of young people in NEET, however issues such as lack of
functional skills among the group, young people with traumatic
experiences results in young people having few opportunities. The
Executive Member acknowledged that the Council through its ACL
services will continue with programmes to provide both functional
and life skills, support and work with employers to address this
shortcoming.
·
On the issue of high child poverty levels and
whether this was related to refugee status unable to access public
funds, the Executive Member indicated that she would look into this
issue especially as the Service is able to provide breakdown
details of residents that receives support and will report back at
a future meeting.
·
In response to the Council’s commitment of
providing 100 hours of world work for young people, members were
invited to the launch at the Institute of Physics on Tuesday
21st January. Head teachers had been invited.
·
On the question of whether the council had data on
workers involved especially in the Night Time Economy and if
workers received the London Living Wage, the Executive Member
acknowledged that although no data is presently available, the
Council is concerned about worker exploitation within the gig
economy and will be considering ways of regulating employer
practices, as a way of protecting vulnerable employees.
·
In response to an enquiry on whether the Council was
taking cognisance of the potential green jobs while it engages with
employers, the Executive Member acknowledged that the Council
Energy Team is in the process of producing its strategy and the
Inclusive Economy Team is working in conjunction with City
University on initiatives such as wind turbines and other green
initiatives.
RESOLVED
That the report be noted.
Supporting documents:
- Quarter 2 2019-20 Performance Report Employment Skills and Culture FINAL, item 329. PDF 176 KB
- E & R Scrutiny - ESC performance indicators 2019-20 Q2 draft, item 329. PDF 68 KB