Salford approves new skills and work programme

A new £1.5m skills and work programme is set to be agreed by Salford City Council, helping to provide opportunities for young people progressing into education and work and supporting businesses to create sustainable opportunities for local people.

The scheme aims to support individuals and communities over their lifetime to continue learning, taking advantage of opportunities and reducing inequalities.

A report approved at the Council’s Cabinet meeting focused on three outcomes for the programme: improving and increasing the quality of jobs, the capacity and ability of education providers to work with academically vulnerable young people and low skilled adults, and the skills of Salford residents.

City mayor Paul Dennett said: ‘Our new Skills and Work programme will be launched on Monday 13 December 2021. The time is right to restate the city’s commitment to education, work and skills. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Brexit, climate change and other issues have put pressure on public sector finances, resources and technological innovation. This has negatively impacted on the education and skills opportunities for people in Salford.

‘Employment and growth sectors in Salford continue to develop and change. It is imperative we respond quickly to reshape our skills and work commitments, priorities, and resources to respond to those opportunities and challenges. This is all about creating a better and fairer Salford for all.

‘Investment in skills and work for Salford residents will be part of the council’s preventative approach – as good quality and sustainable work is a core determinant of longer, healthier working lives, and in turn reduces demand over the long term for high cost acute and specialist public services.

‘The city’s unemployment rate has fluctuated, from 4.8% to a low of 2.6% in 2015. During the pandemic climbed again to a high of 7.3% in July 2021. Over this time period Salford’s rate has been consistently higher than both the Greater Manchester and England average. We will work with closely with partners and employers on solutions as part of an integrated labour market service approach focused on matching skills supply to demand from employers.’

In related news, the Welsh government has launched a new fund to help businesses offering goods and services that support the wellbeing of people in Wales.

Photo by Green Chameleon