Housing association's ambitious bid to get 1,000 residents into work

Published by 24publishing for 24dash.com in Housing and also in Local Government

London-based Family Mosaic estimates that 50% of its residents are out of work. Here Marc Molloy, employment and skills development manager at the housing association, explains how it plans to get 1,000 of its residents and customers into paid work over the next three years.

"At Family Mosaic we strongly believe that work is good for health and happiness. Family Mosaic has now offered an employment support service for over seven years using our own funding to reduce unemployment. We want to build on the relationship we already have with our tenants to offer opportunities to help them find work and become more independent - and we have the expertise in-house to do this.

"We estimate 50% of our residents are out of work and we are actively engaging with as many as possible so that they are equipped with the skills and knowledge to move forward and take control of there finances and career aspirations. This year alone we have supported over 100 people into work.  Longer term we hope this means some of our residents can then move on from social housing if they are able to, freeing up more homes for those in greatest need.

"Working with some of the poorest within our communities, we are breaking down barriers to employment with a target of getting 1,000 of our residents and customers into paid work over the next three years. We want to highlight that housing associations have the ability to get people into work - and be part of the solution to mass unemployment. 

"This is not something we believe we can or should do alone -  so we have made links with health authorities, job agencies, other employers and youth initiatives so that we can share best practice and provide a joined-up support package. Working in partnership we offer a range of support and expertise to help people secure sustainable employment, apprenticeships and work placements.

"Demand on the service has increased each year - and in such a difficult job market we are now seeing more people than ever before who recognise they need support in order to find employment. 

"In response, we have expanded the employment team and introduced a job brokerage function so that as well as  providing award winning employment support, we are also working with local and national employers to unlock job opportunities and make them accessible to our residents."