This article was written by Damian and published in this week's Herald and Petersfield Post editions:
"With more than 1 million vacancies and an unemployment rate down to 4.3 per cent, there is growing confidence and optimism in the UK economy right now.
The number of people on UK company payrolls rose sharply last month, despite the furlough scheme closing at the end of September. Fears that the ending of the scheme would lead to a ‘cliff edge’ impact on jobs have not been realised, and the significance of how furlough has enabled thousands of businesses to weather the worst of the pandemic is clear.
Job-to-job moves also rose to a record high, driven mostly by people quitting their old jobs rather than dismissals, which also demonstrates the availability of alternative employment opportunities and the confidence people have in moving jobs.
Commentators are clear that the issue has moved from finding jobs for people to finding people for jobs, and many businesses around East Hampshire will tell you that has been the issue for quite some time now.
The challenge remains how to ensure those able to work have the right skills to succeed in the jobs market, and that is why the support provided to train and sometimes re-skill people is so important.
We understand the value of schemes that give people the experience of work, and that support and investment delivered through programmes such as apprenticeships and work placements must continue, particularly when helping young people move from formal education into work.
It is good to see that more than 100,000 young people have now started work through the government’s landmark Kickstart Scheme, introduced last year to help fund six-month jobs for young people aged 16 to 24 years old who are currently claiming Universal Credit and at risk of long-term unemployment.
I know from my time as Employment Minister at the DWP that there are many reasons why someone may find entering the jobs market challenging, and that is why tailored support can be so important.
The role of Jobcentre Work Coaches can make a real difference in understanding the specific needs and opportunities for individuals, and the expansion of this service as part of the Government’s Plan for Jobs is central to the post-pandemic recovery of the economy.
I was delighted last week to meet up with Ralph Facey from the Abri Housing Association (one of the largest in the South East) at the not-for-profit Café 1759 in Bordon, and to hear more about how Abri are helping people locally into employment, through the provision of education, training and confidence building programmes.
Supporting those with long term disabilities into work is also key, and although this has been harder during the pandemic, I know local organisations and employers continue to support students at Treloars College in Alton through their Supported Internships and Work Experience programmes.
The Transition team at Treloars has also been working closely with the DWP to establish a pilot scheme to determine the best way to support young people with physical disabilities on their path to part-time paid employment - the next step forward for their students.
We know that small businesses remain the backbone of our national and local economy, and supporting individuals in their quest to set up enterprises is also key.
A recent course supported by East Hampshire District Council and delivered through the Hampshire-based enterprise, The Rebel Business School, saw 17 East Hampshire entrepreneurs among 97 businesses attend the week-long online course.
Offering practical advice and information on how to start a business, the course also provided a great networking opportunity for those attending, which is often a critical part of starting out on your own.
There is much still to do, including the need to drive up productivity, especially in sectors with lower wages, in delivering a high wage, high skill economy. The ambition is there."
