Presentation by Dave Ashdown, Kent Jobcentre Plus District Manager

Questions and Answers

Presentations by Dave Ashdown (DA), Kent Jobcentre Plus District Manager, and Sarah Gow (SG), Area Manager, CXK (previously Connexions)

Introduction – Dave Ashdown:

·  DA is responsible for the whole of Kent.  He has over 900 staff in 16 Job Centre Plus (JC+) offices across Kent.

·  55 staff are located in the Maidstone office.

·  25% of staff are focussed on youth unemployment.

·  In Maidstone, all unemployment has risen by 17%, from a very low base.

·  Youth unemployment has risen 22%, same as Kent average.

·  77% of young unemployed have been unemployed for less than 6 months.

·  91.3% of young people are in work after 9 months.

·  23% of Maidstone claimants make their claim on-line.

·  JC+ advisors have much more local flexibility than before.

·  Advisors can do one-off payments to overcome barriers to work e.g. a suit, childcare.

·  Family intervention workers engage the families and JC+ advisors.

·  Work Experience scheme – gives many benefits, enhances a young persons CV, gives them new networks etc.  In Maidstone in 2011/12, 289 participated and 29% were retained by the employer.

·  Employer has greater flexibility – e.g. can take on 4 work experience, then offer 2 apprenticeships.

Main barriers to employment:

1.  Lack of experience

2.  Poor literacy and numeracy

3.  Poor attitude & motivation

4.  Travel time to work i.e. No more than 60 mins travel time

Discussion:

CG – As an immediate action, MBC could place an advert in the Downs Mail to call for employers to offer apprenticeships.

ZC – We will be looking at publicity budgets for the new financial year. DD – There is a KCC apprenticeship initiative about to be launched.

DA – JC+ will link in to the KCC initiative, and pick up hard to place young people.

SB – What about part-time work? 

DA – Has checked the rules, and they would allow a part-time employee onto the Work Programme.

MR – Intergenerational worklessness, complete lack of skills, how will JCP+ address these?

COF – Volunteering brings many benefits.  JC+ does have a far more flexible approach.  VAM has a volunteer in JC+ once a fortnight.

DA – JC+ often work co-located, will do outreach and joint working.

JE – Are JC+ engaged with the public sector?

DA – Public sector is contracting, although there are vacancies in colleges

Sarah Gow – Connexions

·  Connexions is a charity

·  There are 267 unemployed 16-18 yr olds in Maidstone

·  This is 6.26% of all 16-18 yr olds

·  The highest concentrations of unemployed 16-18 yr olds are found in Parkwood, Shepway & High Street

·  NEETs in Maidstone peaked in October 2011

·  Connexions provides information and advice

·  Although Connexions have moved out of Earl Street, they are in the gateway, Fusion Café, Switch Café.

·  Connexions do not lose touch with their clients, and eg do house calls to check whereabouts etc.

·  Princes Trust is still popular with young people.

·  National Citizen Service – offers a week away on a team-building exercise in North Yorks.

·  Jobs go Live – http://www.facebook.com/JobsGolive

·  Connexions regularly test labour market intelligence in terms of knowing what employers are wanting and what clients need to do to prepare.

Discussion:

JH – What does a young person get at the end of an apprenticeship?

SG – They will have an NVQ Level 1 or 2, although they can go higher.  They will have much improved literacy and numeracy skills.

AB – What else are JC+ doing to remove barriers to working?

DA – There are over 12,000 people unemployed across Kent, 1,100 in Maidstone.  JC+ does target areas. 

Motivation can be tackled by outward bound courses e.g. Friday’s People http://www.fridaypeople.org.uk/

GC – Welcomes the changes in JC+ philosophy and outreach.  Do any aspects of JC+ and Connexions work overlap?

SG – If aged under 18 can go to Connexions as well.

GC – The raising of the participation age will probably raise NEET numbers – need to pick them up

DA – JC+ are co-located with Connexions which engenders close working.

IC – How are Connexions dealing with budget cuts and the impact of careers advice in schools?

SG – Cuts have been tackled through reductions in overheads, and more flexible working.  Schools can purchase services from Connexions, who may develop a schools career service.

IC – Requested a report in 6 months time on the schools careers service.

GC – Schools can commission independent careers advice

Useful links:

http://jobseekers.direct.gov.uk/homepage.aspx?sessionid=21f9082d-09da-429b-9ab5-3aef2ab10782&pid=2

http://www.connexionskentandmedway.co.uk/pages/common/Connexions.aspx?pg=1626