News

Hammersmith & Fulham unemployed targeted in £2million scheme

Summary:

The employment scheme will provide tailored practical support for people out of work.

Image:

By Hayley Fox

Unemployed people in Hammersmith and Fulham could have a better chance of finding work in a new £2million council employment scheme.

The RAISE scheme, standing for Raising Aspiration and Inspiring Success in Employment, aims to target some of the most disadvantaged people in deprived in the borough.

The scheme, led by Ealing, Hammersmith & West London College, is funded by Hammersmith & Fulham Council and the European Social Fund.

It will provide tailored practical support for people out of work including training, work experience and initial support once employment is found.

This includes breaking down practical barriers such as language and literacy skills, the shortage of work experience placements and also building the confidence of the long-term unemployed.

Cllr Nicholas Botterill, Leader of H&F Council, said: “Working is more than earning a wage to pay the bills, it is also the bedrock of a successful and happy life.

“We want to help all residents to find employment and this scheme will embrace the expertise of local people and the voluntary sector to improve employment levels in some of our most deprived areas.”

A wider partnership will include major employers such as Westfield who will make vacancies available to residents.

The partnership involves 15 organisations, including The Prince’s Trust, Hammersmith and Fulham Volunteers Centre and London Skills Academy, who have knowledge of specific career needs.

Marion Schumann, director of HFVC, said: “We are proud to be part of a winning Team, which we feel will deliver quality services to the Funders as we have always done”

H&F has the 16th highest proportion of residents claiming income allowance and nearly half of claimants have been claiming for over six months.

Follow us on @SW_Londoner

Related Articles