Agenda item

Cllr Bell-Bradford, Executive Member for Inclusive Economy and Jobs presented this item.

The report highlights the council's progress towards fulfilling its manifesto commitment of getting 5,000 people into work by 2026. With more than 4,100 individuals already being helped into work. This success is attributed to the dedicated efforts of the Islington team. Furthermore, emphasis is placed on not just the quantity but also the quality of support provided, ensuring that the right individuals receive assistance.

One notable challenge discussed is the issue of data collection, particularly concerning job outcomes. Efforts are underway to streamline this process by involving the teams managing individual contracts to collect relevant data.

The report underscores the importance of measuring not just the number of people placed in jobs but also how long they remain employed. This focus on job retention serves as a more meaningful indicator of success. The report mentions the introduction of new indicators to track job retention rates over time and highlights the need for baseline data to facilitate future discussions and goal setting.

The council's commitment to London Living Wage accreditation is discussed, along with challenges encountered in achieving this goal. Factors such as the rising cost of accreditation and the emergence of alternative standards beyond just the living wage are noted. Despite these challenges, the council remains committed to uplifting individuals by ensuring fair wages and continues to explore strategies to encourage more organisations to become accredited. The report highlights proactive engagement with stakeholders, including workers and advocacy groups, to promote the London Living Wage. Initiatives such as campaigns targeting non-compliant businesses and partnerships with community organisations demonstrate the council's commitment to advocating for fair wages.

The outlined future strategies, including plans to expand apprenticeship opportunities and embed fair wage practices across the organisation. There is recognition of the need for ongoing efforts to meet targets and ensure that the council continues to lead by example in promoting fair employment practices. Additionally, the report mentions upcoming inspections by external bodies, showing the importance of maintaining positive reviews and accountability.

The committee had recognition of the potential negative impact of pushing individuals into work that may not be suitable for them, especially if it leads to loss of confidence. This highlights the importance of ensuring that employment opportunities are well-matched to individuals' skills and aspirations.

Questions were raised regarding the definition of "good jobs" within the context of recent GLA-funded programs. It was important to clarify what criteria constitutes a "good job" to ensure that employment initiatives are aligned with the desired outcomes. The discussion extended to challenges faced by the hospitality industry, particularly in relation to London Living Wage accreditation. While larger chains may have more resources to comply, smaller family-owned businesses may struggle, highlighting the need for targeted support and engagement.

There were inquiries about progress on cultural apprenticeships and efforts to promote green jobs. These initiatives aimed to diversify employment opportunities and support sustainable economic growth.

The methodology for calculating social value and the impact of the Islington childcare bursary scheme were also discussed. There was an exploration of how these initiatives contribute to broader social and economic outcomes, as well as considerations for future funding allocations and program enhancements.

RESOLVED:

That the report was noted.