Jobs strategy

Since the strategy was endorsed, the economic situation has not improved nationally or locally, with slower than anticipated economic growth and unemployment levels remaining high. However, there are some good news coming out of the latest report.

Cllr Lynnette Kelly, Cabinet Member for City Development, said: "Once again Coventry is bucking the trend! It proves that the plans the Council has put in place is leading the creation of new jobs in the city, and the promotion of economic growth in the area.

"The opening of the Jobshop in the city centre was a gamble that has paid off handsomely. It is a key feature of the way in which employment services are delivered to people who are looking for employment."

The number of people engaging with the Employment Team far exceeded the target of 1200 set for the year with 4080 people accessing employment support. 1210 people that have engaged with the service have progressed into work. This is a significant achievement in a difficult economic climate.

The Young People's Employment Placement Scheme has helped 60 young people into work through paid job placements. 14 young people who had left school and were not in education, employment or training (NEET) started on the Construction Apprenticeship Scheme.

By working with local businesses, 1650 job opportunities for people in Coventry and across the sub region have been created. £212m of business investment has been secured and our services have supported 221 businesses to grow and develop and assisted 322 businesses to become more environmentally sustainable.

In terms of leadership the City Council is showing what can be done even in difficult economic circumstances. Key objectives within the Jobs Strategy are to:
* Secure job opportunities through investment
* Help people get jobs
* Help people improve their skills

Coventry City Council is delivering the strategy, primarily led through the work of the City Centre and Development Services Division in the City Services and Development Directorate. Services include Economy and Jobs; Inward Investment; Resources and New Projects and Development and Regeneration Services.

Other areas of the Council also contribute to delivering the aspirations of the Strategy. For example, the Apprenticeship Strategy delivered through Workforce Development for the Apprenticeship Strategy, Adult Education and CLYP.

Cllr Kelly continued: "The Council cannot deliver the Jobs Strategy alone but will continue to drive the strategy's progress through the excellent partnership working that already exists, whilst at the same time forging new partner relationships when opportunities arise."

Key partners include the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership; Coventry Partnership; JobCentre Plus; The Chamber; Sub-regional colleagues; Warwickshire County Council; Universities; FE Colleges; Third Sector Agencies; Primary Care Trust; businesses and investors.