Tackling Economic Inactivity in South Tyneside

A programme designed to help unemployed residents in South Tyneside move closer to their chosen careers looks set to be given the go-ahead next week.

South Tyneside's Cabinet will be asked to approve the award of a contract worth £324,000 to the Foundation of Light to run a 'Career Warm Up' programme.

To be funded from a share of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), the programme is aimed at providing community-based pre-employment support to help those furthest away from the jobs market improve their life and skills. The project would be targeted at those in the most disadvantaged wards.

Last year the Council was awarded £8.8 million from the UK government through the UKSPF which aims to 'build pride in place and increase life chances across the UK' as part of the Levelling Up agenda. A number of organisations have already received funding to deliver programmes for a range of marginalised groups in South Tyneside in line with the Council's ambition of targeting support to make things fairer.

Councillor Joanne Bell, Lead Member for Governance, Finance and Corporate Services, said: "Sadly, South Tyneside has the highest rate of economically inactive residents of all seven North East local authorities. Almost 29 per cent of our working age population is economically inactive, with long term sickness the main cause.

"We are committed to doing all we can to tackle unemployment so that our residents can be financially secure and enjoy healthier, happier lives. Any external funding we secure is used to deliver initiatives which will have the maximum positive impact for our residents and complement the ongoing work of the Council."

Cabinet is due to make a decision on the funding for the Career Warm Up project at its meeting next Wednesday (13 March).