Local employment partnership agreement is the 'foundation' for thriving communities

The Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) West Midlands region is the latest employer to commit to Local Employment Partnerships when Chief Executive Sir Bob Kerslake signed the agreement during a recent visit to the region.

The Local Employment Partnership (LEP) agreement demonstrates the HCA’s commitment to considering locally unemployed people for job opportunities. LEPs are a deal between Government and business to tackle the increasing recruitment and skills challenges of our labour market and economy. The LEP pledge asks employers to consider Jobcentre Plus customers for their vacancies and in return Jobcentre Plus will identify and prepare the right people for them.

Sir Bob Kerslake, Chief Executive of the HCA said: “A key aim of the HCA is to link public sector investment to creating prosperous communities. New homes and local job creation go together, incorporating recruitment initiatives and apprenticeships.

In particular, through the Housing Kickstart and Local Authority New Build programmes we are working with Local Authorities, Registered Social Landlords, developers and sub contractors to ensure they offer jobs to local people as a result of our investments.”

The HCA West Midlands has extended its partnership working by taking a member of Jobcentre Plus staff on secondment to lead on the employment and skills agenda. By working closely with developers and sub contractors the aim is to deliver an integrated approach to skills and employment through the delivery of pre-employment training, work trials, a recruitment subsidy, apprenticeships and the Future Jobs Fund.

Margaret Tovey, Customer Service Director for Jobcentre Plus, added: “The signing of a Local Employment Partnership agreement demonstrates the HCA’s commitment to creating job opportunities for local people. The HCA has also committed to the Backing Young Britain campaign which offers employment opportunities to young people between the ages of 16-24. This demonstrates a real commitment to ensuring the enthusiasm, skills and experiences of young people aren’t wasted.”

As part of the HCA’s commitment to the Backing Young Britain campaign in the West Midlands they have committed to providing work experience opportunities, offering internships to graduates, considering people for jobs using a work trial and engaging in a Local Employment Partnership agreement.