People who are long-term unemployed, and those in need of specialised help to find work, will receive a helping hand from a new £26million jobs programme established across the seven west London boroughs.
Ealing Council is working with the West London Alliance (WLA) and charity Shaw Trust on the scheme, which started in February and will run until 2023. It aims to help around 2,000 residents in our borough, with a target of getting almost 50% of these into full, sustainable employment.
The day-to-day operation of the programme will be run by Shaw Trust, which helps disabled and disadvantaged people into employment and independent living. In total, the trust aims to help 13,000 people across Barnet, Brent, Ealing, Hammersmith and Fulham, Harrow, Hillingdon and Hounslow.
The new programme will be integrated with existing local services offered by the councils and other local partners. This will provide help with additional matters such as basic skills, training, health, housing and English for speakers of other languages. Shaw Trust will also support residents during the initial months of employment.
It is being funded with money from the Department for Work and Pensions and the European Social Fund.
Ealing Council’s chief executive Paul Najsarek, who is also chairman of the WLA’s health and employment programme board, said: “This is a great opportunity for the council to work with Shaw Trust and give Ealing’s residents who have difficulty to find employment the help they need to secure and keep work, regain their independence and expand their choice in life.”
Find out more about the work and health programme, as well as other WLA programmes, on its website.
