This morning we learned that unemployment has fallen again, and in Northfield this means that there are 1862 fewer people claiming unemployment benefit than 2010 when the Labour government were in power. 83% of the new jobs created by this government are full time jobs, and there is more good news as peoples wages are now rising faster than inflation. There is much further to go and I would like to see wages rising even faster so that we all share the benefits of the recovery. Its heartening to learn also that youth unemployment is now down to its lowest level since the 1970s and also that long term unemployment is down. Part of the solution helping people back to work is local training providers such as Avanta in our local area, here in Kings Norton. And today, I was able to bring Francis Maude, Cabinet Office Minister to see how this program works in practise. Local people are able to learn practical skills that are needed by local employers. Today, we saw people learning a whole range of employability skills including time management, retail, catering, plastering, bricklaying, block paving and decorating. This means that when they complete the program, even after having been unemployed for some time, they are ready and able to work. Local employers come there to hire staff who complete the program. Speaking to trainees at the facility, it was great to hear their enthusiasm and positive approach to their future now they were equipped with useful skills. And Avanta dont stop once their clients have found a job. They provide a whole range of support services, including counselling and mentoring, to ensure that people find the right job and are able to stay in it. This all adds up to people finding dignity and stability for their future, learning new skills and earning a decent pay packet. The Minister and me were able to have a go at learning how to block pave a drive. I dont think Im ready to do my own just yet though...
Posted on: Wed, 21 Jan 2015 18:52:13 +0000
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