DWP –

Worklessness Co-design report published Working together to tackle unemployment.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)

Worklessness Co-design Report published on the 9 June 2011 showcases how we and our partners are working together to tackle unemployment.

Developed in five Local Authority areas – Birmingham, Bradford, Lewisham, South Tyneside and Swindon – to put in place tailored local programmes to help people find and stay in work.

In Swindon Plan 500 has been established to help create 500 new work related opportunities for young people, aged 16 to 24. Businesses can offer apprenticeships, mentoring or work experience to young people through this scheme.

Employment Minister Chris Grayling said: “Plan 500, co-designed by Swindon and DWP, ticks all the boxes to help young people get on the career ladder. As well as matching young people with business mentors it offers them a real route into the workplace. In return local businesses get an apprentice with the right attitude to learn and who will care about their company.”

In Birmingham co-designing has been integrated into their Community Based Budget. Working in partnership the City Council, Jobcentre Plus, local private and third sector organisations have developed an intensive one-to-one, person centred support service. This co-designed local approach aims to ensure support is tailored and appropriate to help people get in work and stay in work.

The report demonstrates how we can work in partnership to co-design local solutions for local issues of worklessness and invites Local Authorities, and partners who are not already working with Jobcentre Plus to do so by contacting their local Jobcentre Plus District Manager.

Click here to read DWP letter regarding the report

09/06/2011