Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration

The report provides an update on the work of the Stockport Work and Skills Board, initiatives to support employment, skills and apprenticeships, and support for businesses.

The Scrutiny Committee is invited to note and comment on the contents of the report, and to endorse the council’s approaches to contributing to inclusive growth in Stockport.

Officer Contact: Richard Mortimer on 0161 474 3864 or email: richard.mortimer@stockport.gov.uk

The Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing an update on the work of the Stockport Work and Skills Board, initiatives to support employment, skills and apprenticeships, and support for businesses.

The Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration (Councillor Kate Butler) attended the meeting to respond to Members’ questions.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

• The work experience placements would be linked to young people at schools and colleges. Whether any of the placements led to work outcomes was voluntary from the employer’s standpoint.
• The start of the second phase of the Working Well initiative to support the long term unemployed was January 2017. Sixty five of those people had entered sustainable employment.
• The Work and Health Programme, which was the main Department for Work and Pensions funded employment support programme for individuals who were long-term unemployed in particular those with a health condition, had resulted in little sustainable employment.
• A Member requested more information in future reports with regard to which part of Stockport people came from who benefited from the initiatives, in particular whether they came from areas of deprivation.
• With regard to the ‘Digital Her’ event which was an all-day, free event aimed at Year 8 girls from across Stockport’s secondary schools, 108 girls had attended from across the borough.
• Concern was expressed at the increase in the number of unpaid internships.
• The work to assist looked after children was very important and welcomed.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted and the Council’s approaches to contributing to Inclusive Growth in Stockport be endorsed.