Pennie Varvarides 28 April 2014

Public procurement can help reduce youth unemployment, report finds

Public sector contractors could be creating thousands of jobs for marginalised young people, according to a new report from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF).

The report, Tackling poverty through public procurement, says placing a requirement on contractors to undertake targeted recruitment and training would generate many additional job-with-training opportunities for people entering the labour market.

It argues that by linking this to existing apprenticeship, training and job-search provisions, it could be done at little extra cost.

This approach is widely used in Scotland and Wales, and by some English local authorities. However, it has rarely been adopted in contracts issued by the UK government, where the report argues its uptake could have the biggest impact.

‘Do young people need to stand in line behind the more skilled and experienced before they get the chance of the job-with-training that will make them more employable,’ asked report author Richard MacFarlane.

‘Targeted recruitment and training can help address the lack of opportunity experienced by young people. This is an approach that is now ready to be scaled-up through action across UK government procurement, to help address a problem that may otherwise scar the lives of a generation of job-seekers.’

The longest-running example of the approach is provided by Glasgow Housing Association, through its complex housing improvement contracts. Between 2005 and 2013 over 1,100 apprentices and trainees obtained a total of 60,000 weeks of employment across a wide range of trade disciplines.

‘The case studies in this report show how the public procurement process can be used to address poverty and deliver significant benefits to local communities,’ adds JRF policy and research manager John Low.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Preschool Nursery Assistant - Level 3 Qualified

Essex County Council
Up to £13.00 per hour
Preschool Nursery Assistant - Level 3 QualifiedPermanent, Part Time£13.00 per hourLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Trading Standards Project Officer - Tobacco and Vapes

Essex County Council
£26601.0000 - £31295.0000 per annum
Trading Standards Project Officer - Tobacco and VapesFixed Term, Full Time£26,601 to £31,295 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Social Care Worker - WMF2272e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£34,434 - £35,412
We have an exciting opportunity, for a passionate, enthusiastic person Cumbria / Various
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Apprenticeships & Intermediate Labour Market Coordinator

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Negotiable
Create real opportunities for local people and help shape a fairer future. As an Apprenticeships and Intermediate Labour Market Coordinator, you'll wo England, London, City of London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

243826 Casual Tutors

Wakefield Council
£17,874.60 to £19,690.80, pro rata. TUL 4.
We are an OFSTED rated - good provider and are looking to appoint to a variety of casual tutor positions to meet growing demand in the District. Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council
Linkedin Banner