MAAs – getting people into work
Plans are being put in place for a Multi-Area Agreement employment and skills that will build on the existing successful City Region collaboration.
Said Cllr Whitby: “Only last month we were reporting that our City Region City Strategy Pathfinder had made significant advances in reducing the number of people claiming benefits, and in increasing the number entering training.
“Now the City Region is seeking to negotiate with the Government to agree a range of new powers, which will enable us to target resources much more effectively, delivering the skills that employers need and helping people back into work.”
An integrated employment and skills model, known as City Strategy Pathfinder, was devised in 55 wards across eight local authorities during the summer of 2006 in the City Region to secure “sustainable employment for workless people”. It has operated successfully as a de facto MAA.
The campaign is being led and delivered by City Region member the Learning and Skills Council working with the eight City Region Councils and supported by Jobcentre Plus.
After a year, 4,808 people had been removed from claiming benefits – nearly 60 per cent of target; 40,995 people had achieved Level 2 qualifications – nearly 200 per cent of target; and 32,117 people had achieved Skills for Life – nearly 400 per cent of target.
The City Region is now exploring with government how the experiences of the City Strategy can help to support the development and delivery of an employment and skills MAA.
