Connecting Communities launches

A scheme to help dozens of disadvantaged and long-term job seekers in Coventry get into work has been given the go-ahead.

The Employment Support Pilot will give people in Binley and Willenhall tailored job advice and specialist support in the heart of their own community.

The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) has awarded Reed in Partnership a contract to deliver the three year scheme starting this summer.

The Binley and Willenhall pilot is one of nine being set up in communities across the wider West Midlands where unemployment is high and levels of pay low.

The scheme, which is being funded by the WMCA using a £4 million Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) grant, will also help equip low paid workers with the skills needed to land better jobs.

Cllr George Duggins, leader of Coventry City Council and the WMCA’s portfolio holder for Productivity and Skills, said:

“There are record numbers of jobs being created in the West Midlands but some people are still missing out. So I’m pleased to have Reed in Partnership on board to help make sure everyone in society has the chance to benefit from the job opportunities out there.”

The Binley and Willenhall scheme, along with the eight others across the region, will help up to 4,500 people find work, with an emphasis on supporting people in to better paid jobs. There will be a particular focus on young people, disabled people and other vulnerable groups.

The schemes are part of the wider transfer of powers and funding from Whitehall to the West Midlands following the region’s decision to form a combined authority, led by an elected mayor.

Harjinder Sidhu, Operations Manager at Reed in Partnership, said:

“We are delighted to have the opportunity to provide employment support to the residents of Binley and Willenhall including those who are connected to these communities. Our service will give local people the skills, confidence and know-how they need to start and sustain work.

“We’ll be bringing together people and businesses in the area to help the community thrive and each person who enters work will have a tree planted to celebrate their achievement. We can’t wait to get started.”

The location-based support is aimed at making it easier to engage with local residents and to encourage the communities themselves to use their existing social networks to help spread the word about the opportunities and support available.

Evidence suggests that neighbours, extended family members and others in the local community can be an effective channel for getting information to the right people.

You can find out more at binleyandwillenhalljobs.co.uk