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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.

 

 

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