Businesses in North Yorkshire and York are being urged to help to bring more people back into work and boost the economy by providing fully-funded placements.
North Yorkshire Council is offering placements for three months for residents who have been out of the employment in the hope of encouraging them back into work and to embark on new careers.
The council is overseeing the scheme on behalf of the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, which has provided funding for the drive to increase employment.
The initiative will support people who have been off work for a variety of reasons such as long‑term sickness, disability, physical or mental ill health or caring responsibilities.
The scheme, known locally as the Learn, Earn, Apply, Progress (LEAP) programme, offers businesses an opportunity to provide a part‑time role of at least 16 hours per week lasting for a minimum of three months to someone who is currently not working, based on a national minimum wage.
Not only do employers help individuals return to the workplace, while benefiting from the skills and experience they bring, they receive a grant to cover wages and employer National Insurance contributions enabling them to provide high value, entry-level work experience without any additional costs.
The initiative is part of the Government’s Get Britain Working Trailblazer programme and is aimed at reducing economic inactivity and supporting residents into good jobs, volunteering and training opportunities.
North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for health and adult services, Cllr Michael Harrison, said:
North Yorkshire is home to a wealth of untapped talent including people with skills, potential and ambition who, for a variety of reasons, have found themselves out of the jobs market.
The Trailblazer programme is designed to change that. Everyone deserves a fair chance to flourish and this is a fantastic opportunity for businesses to diversify their workforce, support the community and help local people develop valuable skills through meaningful, mentored experience.
The council’s executive member for open to business, Cllr Mark Crane, said:
Through a series of targeted projects, the trailblazer scheme aims to remove barriers, connect people with opportunities and help employers build stronger, more inclusive workforces.
The York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority has been chosen by the Government as one of eight areas to lead a Get Britain Working Economic Inactivity Trailblazer. A £10 million programme spanning 12 months has been developed, which will build on work already taking place in the region.
David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, said:
We’re tackling the barriers that hold people back from the quality jobs they deserve by giving our businesses the tools to create more supportive, inclusive workplaces.
That’s why I’m proud we’re funding this new initiative which will support people who have been out of work take the leap back into employment.
Working with our partners, we can provide the guidance and support that keeps people in good jobs and helps our businesses become more resilient.
In its first year, the Trailblazer programme aims to help 1,500 jobseekers, support 500 people already in work and work with 150 businesses.
The wage subsidy offer is available for residents of North Yorkshire who are aged 18 and over and must be prepared to confirm that they are currently economically inactive, which is defined as beingout of work or not looking for a job.
Employers who have work premises based in York and North Yorkshire are eligible, even if their head office or headquarters are based outside of the area.
More details are available at https://nyresourcing.co.uk/leap-programme-information-for-employers/ or by calling 01609 535585.
