Future Jobs Fund Update 2
I am writing to clarify the programme available to social
enterprises, community groups and others which Third Sector Hebrides are
delivering in the Western Isles.
First, we put together a
programme which is aimed at giving 20 young people life chances of six
months employment with employers who want to engage with our
Partnership. Over the last two months, over 10 individuals have gone
into new work and another 10 posts are in process of being filled. The
employing organisations get an employee at no cost to themselves for six
months for agreed wages and national insurance. This accounts for at
least 63% per capita of the funds we received. This is agreed up front.
After recruitment, when the needs of both the employer and employee
can be more properly assessed, there is room for further discussion on
what additional intervention support is required, and this may vary from
individual case to individual case. Around 27% of our programme
resources, on average, are available for a mix of support arrangements
which require, however, to be spent on eligible costs.
In total,
therefore, 90% of available resources are utilised directly to make the
Future Jobs Fund a success. Only around 10% are used to meet delivery
costs of running the programme. This is not only normal and reasonable;
it is also spent within the Western Isles economy.
We always
listen to our customers, whether they be individuals or community
organisations, and continually seek to be better and do more. In the
next year we expect to be able to expand the programme to 40 jobs, which
will be a positive achievement if we can work together to deliver that.
We are happy to hear from any organisation, social business or
enterprise, whether they are in Barra, Uist, Harris or Lewis, which
wants to make a positive contribution to this programme and the lives of
young people.
Third Sector Hebrides staff, our partners, and
participating organisations are already working hard to make the
programme the best it can be for both the community and young people.
You can get more information from the OHSEP website at
www.ohsep.co.uk, or from Iain MacKenzie on 01851 702632, email
iain.mackenzie@thirdsectorhebrides.org.uk, on how to participate and how
we can help you.
Alasdair Nicholson Chief Executive, Third
Sector Hebrides February 2010
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