WIREDGOV

Private and public sector organisations came together in Cardiff yesterday (Thursday, 24 September) to develop ways of helping the long-term unemployed back into work.

The Employability Conference at Cardiff City Hall is hosted by the Welsh Government. Representatives from businesses such as British Gas and John Lewis Partnership and from across the Welsh public sector will discuss how to help people furthest from the labour market into temporary or permanent employment.

Economy Minister Edwina Hart, who will be making the keynote speech, said yesterday:

“Tackling poverty is a key priority for the Welsh Government and a task in which every Minister has a role to play. Supporting a strong economy underpins this priority and the evidence is clear that well-paid work is the best route out of poverty. As a government we are focused on creating high-quality jobs across Wales. Last year we recorded more than 38,000 jobs created, safeguarded or assisted by the Welsh Government. That is an increase of around 1,000 on the previous year and the best performance for 10 years.

Now we must ensure that those people who are furthest away from the labour market have the skills and opportunities they need to get back into work and break the cycle of poverty.  As a pro-business government we understand that engaging with the private sector is vital to achieving our economic ambitions. So I am pleased to see that so many important Welsh employers will be attending this conference today to help us tackle this important issue.”

Deputy Minister for Skills and Technology Julie James, who will also be speaking at the event, said:

“The connection between poverty and workless households is a strong one. A fundamental part of our approach to tackling poverty in Wales is to create sustainable employment opportunities for everyone. I think we have a moral obligation to do so.

It was rewarding to hear how our Lift Programme is providing training and employment opportunities for people from workless households.  The programme will provide up to 5,000 training and employment opportunities to people who are among the furthest away from the labour market, facing significant employment barriers and living in some of our most deprived and impoverished  communities. Skills provide a strong lever for tackling poverty and will define our future competitiveness and productivity as a nation. Wales’ most successful companies understand that growth needs investment in the skills of the workforce and we will continue to work with socially responsible employers to promote initiatives that help recruit those furthest from the labour market.”