Job seekers benefit from LMH's community work

Published by Jean Clarke for Liverpool Mutual Homes in Housing and also in Communities, Education, Environment, Local Government

Liverpool tenants and job seekers have both benefited from a housing association’s decision to provide a communal cleaning service.

Previously the shared areas of flats has been tenants’ responsibility but Liverpool Mutual Homes (LMH) has made use of the Future Jobs Fund scheme to create 15 jobs and provide an additional service to make entrances to people’s homes more attractive, inviting and healthier.

The workers are split into teams of three to tackle LMH’s five Neighbourhood Areas with a manager co-ordinating their day-to-day activities over a six-month period.

The cleaning scheme is providing employment for people who have been unemployed for six months or more.

The jobs come with normal employee rights and pay at least the minimum wage with the salary costs being met by the Government and other costs such as equipment, cleaning materials and transport provided by LMH.

The jobs were advertised through Job Centre Plus and selected applicants were given five days of induction training covering issues such as health and safety, first aid and manual handling.

As many of the applicants did not have any experience of cleaning, an expert trainer was used to teach the basic skills and techniques of cleaning before they started work in LMH communities.

LMH’s Director of Housing and Neighbourhood Services, Angela Forshaw, said: “The historical arrangements regarding tenants cleaning communal areas were not working well enough and resulted in some being left in an unacceptable condition.

“We have addressed this by introducing an interim cleaning service ahead of a long-term solution that is coming into operation later this year, and have also been able to offer some excellent jobs and work experience through the Future Jobs Fund.

“The new cleaning service arrangements have already been warmly welcomed by our tenants and leaseholders and the initiative supports our aim of helping them in taking pride in their homes and neighbourhoods.”

As part of the Future Jobs Fund scheme it is intended to put all of the existing operatives through the National Vocational Training Scheme which will give the individuals involved a recognised qualification.

Up to 150 jobs are being created by LMH and its partners through the Future Jobs Fund over a two-year period with placements lasting six months and those taking part spending four days of the week working and training and one day looking for jobs.

A wide-range of placements are available, from office-based administration roles to on-site construction jobs working alongside various trades people including plumbers, tilers and plasterers.

Trainees will also receive support searching for jobs, with CV writing, help with skills and preparation for interviews. One of the conditions of the scheme is that all the roles benefit the local community.

Those wanting to get involved in the scheme should initially contact Jobcentre Plus and mention the Future Jobs Fund, LMH and Fusion 21 - Merseyside’s regional social landlord procurement and training organisation.

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