Action for Wiltshire press release - Wiltshire Council joins forces with Job Centre Plus to tackle long term unemployment in the county

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February 2011 saw the launch of a unique partnership between Wiltshire Council, Jobcentre Plus and 15 local employers which has halved the number of unemployed Wiltshire residents claiming Job Seekers Allowance (JSA) for 2 years or more.

The Wiltshire Work Grant is a locally developed support package for disadvantaged unemployed people who have been claiming JSA for 2 years or more. It is operating in Wiltshire as a Jobcentre Plus pilot model for getting the very long term unemployed back into work, managed by Wiltshire Council.

Working alongside 15 local employers, Wiltshire Council has created 40 jobs, across a range of sectors and occupational areas, each paid at the national minimum wage and lasting for 13 weeks. Workshops have been run to support the long term unemployed people to take up these opportunities and successfully adapt to the life changes that being in work brings such as coming off of benefits and the financial implications for the jobseeker; lifestyle management; and living without benefits and one to one support to identify and address personal barriers.

The Wiltshire Work Grant is already proving successful with all 40 jobs created filled and to date only 2 employees have withdrawn from the programme. Moreover, between January and April the number of people claiming JSA for 2 years or more has halved from 90 to 45. Despite early days, the programme has secured 4 contract extensions and 1 potential transfer to a permanent position. Further extensions are anticipated as the programme progresses and as more Wiltshire Work Grant employees have the opportunity to prove to their employer that they are a good fit for their business.

Mrs Jane Scott, Leader of the Council commented: "The Wiltshire Work Grant has given those who have struggled for years to find and prepare for work the opportunity to acquire skills and experience that will support further job applications and help them to break the cycle of long term unemployment. Through meeting with them in the work place and discussing their progress we can see that the Wiltshire Work Grant has made a significant difference to both the individual and the employer at a vital time for Wiltshire's economy. I would like to thank Jobcentre Plus for providing this unique opportunity for Wiltshire. Over the years we have developed strong partnership working and the benefits are clear for all to see in this innovative activity. Recognition must also go to the employers who have embraced the ethos behind the Wiltshire Work Grant, providing exceptional support to the employees which has been a huge factor in it's success".

Tim Taylor Blake Jobcentre Plus District Manager, said: "Jobcentre Plus is delighted to be working in partnership with Wiltshire Council and local employers to help support long term unemployed people in to work. I am especially pleased at the way Wiltshire Council took on our initiative 'Wiltshire Work Grant' and partnered us to make it such a successful venture. The pilot is instrumental in helping secure work for long term unemployed people, giving them valuable skills and experience for their CVs, as well as providing a recent employment reference to significantly enhance their future work prospects. We are always looking for new and innovative ways of working with employers and partners, in our quest to achieve zero long term unemployment in Wiltshire and I look to support more ventures in the future."

Last updated: 13 June 2011