Please remember to click on text
to go through to websites e.g. where it states ‘click
on website’ – just click on that
text to be taken straight through.
GETTING BACK TO WORK/BENEFITS This section provides links to agencies
for a variety of your clients:
Source: DWP http://www.dwp.gov.uk/
For your clients who are not working or working less
than 16 hours a week: check
Jobseeker’s Allowance – this
will take you to the JobCentre Plus website
If your client is a lone parent and wants
to move off benefit into work or just wants
help finding work: check
New Deal for Lone Parents (this will
now take you to the New Deal pages of the
JobCentre Plus website)
If your client is aged 50 or over and
looking for work: check
New Deal for people aged 50 plus (this
will now take you to the New Deal pages
of the JobCentre Plus website)
If your client is aged 25 or over and
needs help looking for work: check
New Deal for people aged 25 plus (this
will now take you to the New Deal pages
of the JobCentre Plus website)
If your client is aged 18 or over but
under 25 and needs help looking for work: check
New Deal for Young People (this will
now take you to the New Deal pages of the
JobCentre Plus website)
If your client currently gets a disability
or health-related benefit: check
New Deal for Disabled People (this
will now take you to the New Deal pages
of the JobCentre Plus website)
If your client is an aspiring unemployed
musician: check
New Deal for Musicians (this will now
take you to the New Deal pages of the JobCentre
Plus website)
0800 Number Launched By Jobcentre
Plus
In May, Jobcentre Plus launched a new free 0800 telephone
service to speed up the process of benefit claims
and offer advice about getting back to work. The
new numbers are:
Lines are open from 8am-6pm, Monday to Friday. Customers
using mobile phones may be charged, but the contact
centre will call the customer back if requested.
Face to face help with completing claims forms will
still be available at Jobcentre Plus offices if required.
For further information on the services that Jobcentre
Plus provides employers and people of working age
visit http://www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk
Source: GNN, 29th May 2007
Minimum Wage to Rise in October
The Low Pay Commission (LPC) has announced that the adult minimum wage will increase to £5.73 from October 2008 (a 3.8% rise). The TUC has welcomed the rise. Brendan Barber, General Secretary of the TUC said:
“We welcome this increase in the minimum wage, which will benefit more than a million low paid workers. Everybody stands to gain from making the minimum wage as robust as possible. We support the improvements to the enforcement regime that are currently going through parliament, and look forward to the introduction of tougher penalties for cheating employers and fair arrears for underpaid workers later in the year.”
Source: www.tuc.org,uk, 5th March 2008
Getting NEETS into Work
18 year olds who have not been in work, education or training for at least 26 weeks before their 18th birthday will be moved onto an intensive support and sanctions regime led by Jobcentre Plus, from next April. Their benefits will only continue if they can prove that they are actively looking for work and are engaged in work-related activity. If they do not find work within 6 months, then a specialist provider from the private or voluntary sector will ensure that each individual does a minimum of four weeks full-time work-related activity – otherwise the young person will lose their benefit. The work-related activity may be community work, a work placement or work experience.
Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, James Purnell said: "The message that I want to give to young people is that they are expected to work for their money. Many young people have never experienced the world of work and this often works against them when looking for employment. We want to break down the barriers that young people face. Everyone has a talent, something to offer their community, by making work part of the deal for getting their benefits we can help them to realise their potential."
Source: GNN, 18th February 2008
182,000 More Construction Jobs for Olympics
Around 182,000 more construction workers will need to be found to complete the transport, infrastructure and sports facilities required for the 2012 Olympics, say the Construction Skills Network. Amongst other skilled trades, they have identified a need for 15,000 more plumbers and 13,000 more bricklayers by 2012.
For the Games, the Construction Industry will need 2.8m workers, with a rise of 8.4% forecast as being needed in Greater London. Projected workforce requirements include, 122,000 bricklayers, 161,000 painters, 211,000 electricians and 189,000 plumbers. Overall there is a £9.3bn budget for construction, transport and regeneration. These estimates do not include the requirement for extra workers on the Crossrail project which is also expected before the Olympics.
Source: BBC Online, 26th February 2008
Pathways to Work Goes Nationwide
Pathways to Work will be rolled out to the remaining 16 Jobcentre Plus districts from April 2008. The scheme aims to help people on incapacity benefits to move into employment. The programme provides specialist help by the public, private and voluntary sectors for the long-term unemployed to get back to work, including rehabilitation support, one-to-one interviews, a Return to Work Credit of £40 per week and assistance once in work. So far the scheme has helped 69,000 people into work.
The contractors appointed to deliver Phase 2 Pathways to Work in the South East region are: Instant Muscle Enterprise Ltd in Surrey and Sussex; Royal British Legion Industries in Surrey, Sussex and Kent; The Shaw Trust in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire and Hampshire & Isle of Wight.
Source: DWP website, 20th December 2007
New Deal Ten Years Old This Year
2008 marks the tenth anniversary of the New Deal job seeking programme that helps to move people off benefits and back into work. Figures published recently by the Department of Work and Pensions show that more than 1.8 million people nationwide have found work through the new deal programme over the last decade, which is equivalent to one person every three minutes every day. In the South East, nearly 144,000 people have found a job through new deal. Other figures published by the DWP show that the long term rate of employment for both youths and adults has fallen by nearly 75% over the past decade and the employment rate of lone parents has risen by 12.5%. The government is spending £5 billion less a year on unemployment than in 1997 and claimant unemployment figures are the lowest they’ve been for thirty years. The new deal has contributed to all of these successful outcomes.
Source: GNN, 2nd Jan 2008
Private and Voluntary Sector Given Greater Role in Tackling Worklessness
In a radical shake-up to the way support is provided to those who experience the most disadvantage in getting work, Work and Pensions Secretary Peter Hain has announced that private and voluntary sector organisations will be paid to get the long-term unemployed into sustainable jobs. The emphasis is now not just getting a person into work, but ensuring that they keep work. To achieve this there will be longer and larger welfare-to-work contracts with a smaller number of lead contractors.
In addition, the Government has announced the following:
More accountability from contractors – contracts can be terminated or adjusted at a number of points if performance is not good enough
Increased competition for contracts
The changes relate to recommendations made by David Freud in March and in the DWP's proposals in the 'In Work, Better Off' green paper in July.
Source: GNN, 27th November 2007
Increased Numbers of Employment Advisers to Support GP Surgeries
The Government is piloting a new advice service for smaller businesses and will treble the number of Jobcentre Plus employment advisers in GP surgeries to support people suffering from mental health or stress issues into work. The measures are part of the first national strategy relating to mental health and work, which will be overseen by a group of medical, academic, business and stakeholder representatives and chaired by the National Director for Health and Work, Dame Carol Black.
Other elements of the scheme include:
Wherever possible, the Pathways to Work and Improving Access to Psychological Therapies programmes will be linked up as they are rolled out across the country.
A mental health forum will be set up to bring together those delivering Pathways to Work support, to share good practice.
Changes to the way medical certificates are issues, focussing on capacity rather than incapacity.
Source: GNN, 27th November 2007
Jobcentre Plus and Citizens Advice Bureaux Form New Partnership
A new partnership agreement has been set up between Citizens Advice and Jobcentre Plus to improve advice and support for people in England and Wales. There will be improved co-operation locally and nationally. Jobcentre Plus and CAB have many clients in common. Jobcentre Plus helps around 850,000 people into work annually and pays benefits to 6.5 million people. CAB advises more than 2 million people each year about employment, tax credits and benefits.
The partnership agreement will be finalised by the end of the year to include arrangements for communication, meetings and information sharing. A similar partnership agreement is also being implemented in Scotland.
Source: GNN, 27th September 2007
Launch of Employability Skills Programme
A joint initiative has been launched by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS), Jobcentre Plus and the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) to help people back into work. The Employability Skills Programme aims to give low-skilled unemployed people access to flexible training. The programme will help improve people’s skills to find a job and to progress at work, which will improve their life chances. In turn this will contribute to a reduction in child poverty and increase social mobility. The programme has been developed to meet the needs of Jobcentre Plus customers, and can lead to an Employability Award.
Source: GNN, 1st August 2007
Job Search Engine Launched on
Digital TV
The new Looking Local job search engine will enable
digital TV viewers to see thousands of job vacancies
in the comfort of their own homes. Working in partnership,
Jobcentre Plus (JCP) and Looking Local, the local
government digital portal, will allow viewers to
search by postcode to find vacancies in their vicinity.
Each job advertisement on Looking Local comes with
a full job description and details of location, wages,
benefits and how to apply. The service is available
to anyone that has access to Sky, cable or broadband-enabled
Freeview boxes.
Source: GNN, 2nd April 2007
ESA Claimants Can Work and Still Receive Benefits
New rules governing work and benefits mean that jobseekers
on the income-related element of the new Employment
Support Allowance (ESA) can earn up to £86
per week for a year, while still receiving benefits.
ESA will replace incapacity benefit and income
support paid for incapacity or disability for new
claimants from 2008.
Jim Murphy, Minister for
Employment and Welfare Reform, said: "All
the evidence we have gathered shows that allowing
people to try out part-time job
options provides a gateway into the world of work,
helping them to build up their skills and confidence
and vastly improves the chances they have of getting
off benefit altogether.”
All ESA claimants will
be able to work for fewer than 16 hours and earn
up to £86 per week for
up to 52 weeks without losing their entitlement.
Source: GNN, 20th March 2007
Success of Able to Work Scheme
The Able to Work scheme which started in Netherfield in the Woughton Ward in July has so far had a 100 percent success rate. The scheme provides pain-management and confidence building courses for people who are on ill-health benefits and it helps them get back into work.
There are however some concerns over the future of the initiative which is funded by grants from the Government and the Jobcentre. Only people who live in the Woughton Ward are eligible for the scheme and organisers are unsure what will happen once funding has run out. More information on the scheme can be found by calling 07872 677871.
Source: www.miltonkeynes.co.uk, 8th October 2007
Careers Springboard
Careers Springboard is a self help group that meets
at St Mary’s Church in Aylesbury, in order
to get unemployed managers and professional back
into work in the local area. The free service and
has been running in the town for the last 2 years,
and the type of assistance includes C.V. help, business
set up and reviewing career directions. Further information
can be gained on http://www.careersspringboardaylesbury.org.uk,
and meetings take place at 7.45pm every Thursday.
Fork Lift Truck Training Facility
Aylesbury company Sivatech and Learn Direct have
come together to train fork lift truck drivers. The
centre at Sivatech, Gatehouse Close in Aylesbury
will be the only fork lift truck training facility
in Aylesbury. The training is free for people who
are on Job Seekers Allowance or any type of means
tested benefit. The scheme also gives trainees the
opportunity to take a formal qualification. Trainees
have to reach a certain level in GCSE maths or English
before they are allowed to take the fork lift truck
test. In order to take the 2 day practical fork lift
truck test they must also pass 6 theory exams.
Source: The Bucks Herald, 26/07/2006
EURES- European Employment
Services
EURES is a network that links the Public Employment Services of all 28 EEA countries
(e.g. Jobcentre Plus). EURES can assist by:
Advising employers how to
advertise their vacancies EURES-wide or in particular
countries
Finding out from the EURES
network where there are skill surpluses to match
their requirements
Setting up projects with
other countries to recruit specialist staff
Taking employers or their
vacancies to jobsfairs in Europe or targeting
specialist open days in Europe
This is particularly useful for
employers who have major skills shortage areas such
as engineering, linguistic vacancies, scientific/pharmaceutical,
health professionals etc.
The EURES website http://www.eures-jobs.com also
allows UK employers to access thousands of CVs from potential jobseekers (via
CV Search) throughout the EEA countries, thereby increasing their chances of
finding the best possible candidate for their job. The South East EURES Advisers
can be contacted via the website, but clicking on ’EURES ADVISERS’ button
and using the search mechanism provided.
Awards Launched to Celebrate Employers’ Contribution to Local Employment
UK-wide awards have been launched to recognise the good practice of employers, employees and partners in Local Employment Partnerships (LEPs) across the country. More than 400 employers from a variety of sectors have committed to the Government’s initiative to help 250,000 long-term benefit claimants back into work by the end of 2010.
The Local Employment Partnership awards will celebrate good practice by employers that help disadvantaged individuals into work; and the achievements of employees on the scheme. There are six categories of award:
• Employer award for best practice in recruitment
• Employer award for work-life balance
• Employer award for best career progression
• Partnership award for best practice in partnership working
• Individual award for overcoming barriers to employment
• Individual award for outstanding achievement in training
To apply for the Local Employment Partnership Awards, visit http://www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk/up. Applications will be accepted until Friday 2 May 2008. The winners will be announced at an award ceremony at The Oval, Kennington in London on 1 July 2008.
Source: GNN, 31st January 2008
Competition Launched to Find Most Enterprising Place in the South East
For a fourth year, the Enterprising Britain 2008 competition has been launched. Starting on 18th February, the search is on for the most enterprising place in the South East to compete in the national finals. Make Your Mark is running the competition for BERR and in partnership with SEEDA.
The competition aims to find places of excellence in enterprise across the UK that have transformed the economic and social landscape of their area. In this first stage, enterprising places in the South East are being sought to take part in the regional heat, the winner of which then goes through to the UK final. Click here to go through to our website for further details.
Source: SEEDA website, 18th February 2008
2012 Olympic Games Business and Job Opportunities
A business ‘dating agency’ has been setup by the LDA in partnership with London 2012 and London Business Network. The initiative, known as CompeteFor aims to support all sizes of business to bid for opportunities by matching companies with London 2012’s supply needs. There will be an estimated 75,000 opportunities for businesses generated by the Olympics, with £6 billion worth of work to be allocated by London Organising Committee (LOCOG) and the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA). Businesses need to register to be able to apply for contracts, and Competefor will also match firms with local Business Links to offer them support services designed to improve their competitiveness in the long run. A launch event for the service for the South East region was held on 20th February at the Reading Madejski Stadium. Over 400 businesses from the South East attended the event, which was co-hosted by SEEDA and Business Link. Click here to go through to our website for further details.
Source: SEEDA website, London 2012 and LDA websites, various dates
New Business Grants Available through SEEDA
Small and medium sized businesses in parts of Kent, Sussex, Oxfordshire and Hampshire and the Isle of Wight could stand to benefit from new business grant criteria recently announced by the Department for Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform. The Changes relate to the Selective Finance for Investment in England grant schemes and will be delivered by SEEDA in the South East. The grants are made available to businesses with expansion plans and who are in need of financial assistance. Due to these changes, small businesses could be eligible for grants of up to £2.5 million and medium sized businesses £1.25 million which is a large increase on the previous £100,000 limit. To find out more, click here to visit SEEDA’s website.
Source: Kent Business, Oct 5th, 2007.
Immigration Support for Businesses
A hotline for employers worried about employing illegal immigrants has been set up by the border and immigration team call 0845 010 6677
Source: Ilford Recorder, 9th August 2007
£140m
Available in Training Grants
Four-fifths of construction companies in the South
East have not been accessing training grants. Figures
released by ConstructionSkills show that last year,
2,200 construction companies accessed £12m
in grants to train their employees. However, an estimated
9,000 other companies in the region did not. From
August 2007, £140m in Government grants will
be available to improve the skills of workers in
the construction sector. This includes grants that
cover a several years to ensure a longer-term approach.
Funds for apprenticeships have also risen significantly
in line with the Government’s aim of having
more young people continuing in training and education
until they are 18.
For further information about training grants, visit
http://www.cskills.org/grant
Source: Brighton Argus, 17th July 2007
New Business Group for Women
Athena Network has launched a new business group
for women. The launch took place at Hartwell House
in Aylesbury. The aim of the group is to help women
in business make connections and develop their
businesses further. The group will meet on the
fourth Wednesday of every month from 12 – 2pm.
To book a place at the meetings call Sylvia Baldock
on 01844 272277 or email Sylvia@theathenanetwork.com
Source: www.aylesburytoday.co.uk, 15th June 2007
SME Manufacturers to Receive
Free Advice The Manufacturing
Advisory Service (MAS) will offer up to four days’ free
advice to small and medium-sized manufacturing companies
from April
2008. The service
will expand the range of its advice to include: strategic
planning and skills development; sourcing materials,
services and technology; management and operational
advice on all aspects of company business; improving
the performance and operation of the supply chain;
and improved resource efficiency in both energy and
waste.
MAS practitioners have carried out over 18,000 on
site reviews and completed 5,000 consultancy projects
since its inception in 2002.
Source: GNN, 29th March 2007
Knowledge Hub
The University of Bedfordshire, which formed as a
result of a merger between Luton University and De
Montfords Bedford Campus runs several enterprise
programmes at it’s Knowledge Hub. More information
is available at http://www.beds.ac.uk
Source: theventurer, August/September 2006
Company offers online Leadership Courses
CPD2 is a management consultancy offering a combination
of workshops and web-based learning. The company’s
courses do not take people away from their jobs for
a length of time. Instead, they typically run half
day sessions over a period of several weeks or months.
Oxford City Council is making use of the company’s
services in order to get closer to small businesses
and improve communication. CPD2 has set up workshops
in High Wycombe, Bicester, Oxford, Aylesbury, Milton
Keynes and Faringdon.
Source: In Business, March/April 2006
Business Information Service
The Business Information Service is a free service
provided by the County Council to source accurate
and prompt information on UK and overseas companies,
markets, products, statistics, law, management, Europe,
standards and regulations. More information is available
on businesslibrary@buckscc.gov.uk
Buckinghamshire In Business
Buckinghamshire In-business is a brand of Buckinghamshire
Adult Learning and provides organisations of all
sizes with essential learning, skills and training.
The organisation delivers essential business skills
training for staff of all levels. Click
here for more information. Late Breakfast Networking Group
Abingdon-based Late Breakfast group was set up in
June 2005. Meeting times are from 9am onwards, allowing
those who are unable to make breakfast meetings attend.
For more information or to book a place, email info@tangram.ltd.uk.
Train to Gain
Train to Gain, the Learning and Skills Council’s
programme of skills and productivity development
was rolled out across the country and the region
during August 2006. Kent and Medway and Berkshire
were operational in April. For more details click
here to go to the
website.
The Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce Group The Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce Group (TVCCG)
promotes and lobbies for business development in
Milton Keynes, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire.
The Group has over 2,000 members and hosts over 200
events per year. More information can be accessed
onhttp://www.thamesvalleychamber.co.uk/default.asp
Learning Needs Analysis Toolkit The Oxford Continuing Professional
Development Centre has just launched a learning needs
analysis toolkit.
The toolkit is for businesses to assess whether or
not they are a ‘Learning Organisation.’ More
information is available onhttp://www.conted.ox.ac.uk/cpd/LNAT
Business Grants Aylesbury Vale District
Council offers budding entrepreneurs and small businesses
grants and other assistance
to aid the growth of ventures. The business grants
scheme provides up to £5000 worth of assistance.
More information is available on 01296 585634 or http://www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk
The Business Incubation Centre The Business Incubation
Centre (Cubic) at Cranfield University offers pre-start
and early start up company’s
access to mentoring support and advice. Cubic focuses
on three areas of support which are crucial to start
up, facilities, Advice and Information and Introductions.
The rent free site initially provides businesses
accommodated support for 6 months, with the option
for this to be extended to 12 months.
New IT Technology Training Scheme The Government’s Learning
Hub has recently launched a new information technology
user training
scheme. The British Computer Society accredited ITQ
is available and free for all employees who are eligible
for government funding, and do not possess a full
level 2 qualification. ITQ covers word processing,
spreadsheets, web software and IT security.
Continuing Professional Development The Continuing Professional
Development Centre at Oxford University offers employers
the chance to
update their workers’ skills. CPD is offered
on varying levels at a range of higher and further
education institutions and commercial organisations.
The CPD Centre at Oxford University is part of the
Department for Continuing Education and provides
flexible part time education to professionals. http://www.conted.ox.ac.uk/cpd
Networking Group for Businesses
The Oxford Profit Club is a new networking group
for local businesses. The Club offers fortnightly
meetings and 12 workshops with an annual membership
fee. The workshops include Marketing, Managing
Cash Flow, Sales and Customer Care.
In Business, Oxford Times, 12/05
Basic Skills Project
Oxfordshire County Council offers a Basic Skills
at Work Project. Tutors run the courses in the
workplace and cover Literacy, Numeracy, English
as a Foreign Language and IT Skills. Further information
is available on 01865 771156.
Retail Qualification
OX1, the Oxford City Centre Management Company,
Aim Higher, Oxford Brookes University, The Oxfordshire
Town Chambers Network and Skillsmart are working
together to introduce a new retail qualification.
The Part Time Foundation Degree in Retail Management
is a new job based qualification for those already
based in the retail sector who wish to develop
managerial skills. The course which combines work
based learning and part time study covers issues
such as Consumer behaviour, customer service and
retail law. OX1 are consulting with both the aforementioned
organisations and leading traders in order to gauge
skills and training issues. An OX1 spokesman stated
'High staff turnover and a shortage of people to
take jobs that exist are both issues in this important
sector for Oxford .''
Source: http://www.oxtrust.org.uk
Best Computer Training
Best Computer Training in Milton Keynes offers employers
the opportunity to send their staff on Learndirect
courses to upgrade or learn new skills. Courses run
in areas such as business skills, coaching, communication
skills, customer care, finance and budgeting, IT,
management skills and project management. More information
is available on http://www.learndirect-business.co.uk
Buckinghamshire In-Business
Buckinghamshire In-Business helps companies with
ongoing learning, skills and training requirements.
More information is available by clicking here
The http://www.j4b.co.uk/ -
website allows you to search for grants and loans
for your business
Prince’s Trust Grants
Anybody between the age of 18 and 30 wishing to start up their own business can apply for a grant or financial support from the Prince’s Trust. The trust also offers business advice and mentoring as well as a free legal helpline. To find out more, click here to visit their website.
In terms of business start up http://www.startups.co.uk/ -
includes a wide range of information and access to
free e-bulletins.
Oxfordshire Business Enterprises Limited
Oxfordshire Business Enterprises Limited offers
free business start up advice. More information
is available
on http://www.oxonbe.co.uk/
Business Link
Business Link also offer a helpline on 01844 210430
Women’s Business Ownership
Prowess is a network that supports the growth of
women’s business ownership by raising awareness
and sharing good practice and information. 220 members
support 100,000 women to start 10,000 new businesses
each year. Click here http://www.prowess.org.uk/default.asp for further information.
New Business Group for Women
Athena Network has launched a new business group for
women. The launch took place at Hartwell House in
Aylesbury. The aim of the group is to help women
in business make connections and develop their businesses
further. The group will meet on the fourth Wednesday
of every month from 12 – 2pm. To book a place
at the meetings call Sylvia Baldock on 01844 272277
or email Sylvia@theathenanetwork.com
Source: www.aylesburytoday.co.uk, 15th June 2007
Mothers Lose Out by Returning Part-time
Research in the February issue of the Economic Journal has found that hourly earnings are 26% lower for women working part-time rather than full-time. Since most women who work part-time do so when they become mothers, women with children pay a high price in terms of pay and career status, among them some of the UK’s most qualified women. 40% of women in work are in part-time jobs, and most of these are women with young children. Nearly half of women who were managers of shops, salons and restaurants before they took a career break return to a lower-skilled job. This is less the case with sectors such as nursing and teaching.
Around 85% of working women without children work full-time in Britain and approximately 90% of all working men are in full-time work, whether they are parents or not.
Other reports in the Economic Journal say that the UK has the widest pay gap for full- and part-time work in Europe and that the pay gap between part-time and full-time work is widening as part-time jobs are mainly in lowly paid occupations.
Source: BBC Online, 27th February 2008
Pensions Act Gives Boost for Women and Carers Thanks to the Pensions Act 2007, women and carers have received a huge boost. Reforms to the state pension system which have received Royal Assent mean many women on low incomes could receive an extra £50 a week by 2050 from the state pension.
At present to achieve a full Basic State Pension, women and men must contribute 39 and 44 years respectively. However when the new system comes into play from April 2010, this will be lowered to 30 for men and women. By 2046 the Act will have gradually increased the State Pension Age to 68 for men and women. Not only will the Act come as a boost for women and carers, but it will also re-link the Basic State Pension with earnings from 2012, or by the end of the next Parliament, and provides for a simpler flat rate state pension.
Source: GNN, 26th July 2007
SEEDA launches Women's Enterprise website
SEEDA and its partners have launched the Women’s Enterprise website. This supports the aim of releasing the potential of women's enterprise in the South East. As well as making a significant contribution to the competitiveness of the South East, this will transform the lives of individual women, their families and communities particularly in disadvantaged areas.
An online version of SEEDA’s Women's Business Support Directory, updated from 2005), is also available. Follow the link here to view the site http://www.womensenterprisesoutheast.co.uk
Gender Equality Duty Comes
Into Force In April 2007, the Gender
Equality Duty (GED) comes into force, constituting
the biggest change in sex equality legislation
since the Sex Discrimination Act in 1975.
The Duty applies to all public
authorities, as well as private and voluntary bodies
that are carrying out public functions on behalf
of a public authority. The organisations will be
legally required to:
Eradicate discrimination and harassment that
is unlawful under the Sex Discrimination Act
1975 (SDA) and discrimination that is unlawful
under the Equal Pay Act 1970 (EqPA).
Promote equality of opportunity between women
and men.
Demonstrate that men and women are treated
fairly in the process of policy-making, public
services and employment practices
The public authorities also
have specific duties to:
Publish a Gender Equality Scheme
(including an Action Plan)
Consult employees, service users and trade
unions
Demonstrate that the Scheme sets out appropriate
actions the authority has taken or intends to
take
Implement the scheme, report annually on progress
and review and revise accordingly
Source: Redbridge Borough Council
website, 30th March 2007
Flagship Status for South East Organisations Supporting
Women's Enterprise
In February, four organisations based in the South
East were awarded national 'Flagship' status at the
Prowess Annual International Conference.
The Prowess Flagship is a quality standard for supporting
women in enterprise through business support or a
network, and is already held by Faringdon Enterprise
Gateway and Slough Enterprise Gateway. The latest
organisations from the South East to be recognised
are: Newhaven Enterprise Gateway, Reading Enterprise
Gateway, Slough Businesswomen's Network Group and
South East Women's Wisdom.
Chief Executive of the
South East England Development Agency (SEEDA),
Pam Alexander, and Co-Chair of the
Government's new Women's Enterprise Task Force, said: "The
new Regional Economic Strategy (RES) for the South
East aims to create an additional 10,000 new businesses
run by women by 2010. We are therefore delighted
that organisations from the South East have been
recognised nationally for their support of women
in business".
Source: SEEDA website, 9th February 2007
New Business Group for Women
Athena Network has launched a new business group
for women. The launch took place at Hartwell House
in Aylesbury. The aim of the group is to help women
in business make connections and develop their
businesses further. The group will meet on the
fourth Wednesday of every month from 12 – 2pm.
To book a place at the meetings call Sylvia Baldock
on 01844 272277 or email Sylvia@theathenanetwork.com
Source: www.aylesburytoday.co.uk, 15th June 2007
Coming Together-Women Starting in Business Business Link have recently unveiled the Coming Together-Women
Starting in Business Project, which will offer support
to women in the area. Workshops across Milton Keynes,
Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire will include issues
such as business plans, pricing, websites, competition,
funding and taxation.
Milton
Keynes Women’s
Aid
Milton Keynes Women’s Aid is a 24 hour service
that can offer emergency accommodation, confidential
information and advice and a safe refuge. In order
to access the service, you can phone either 01908
271900 or 0800 1971014. (Out of Office Hours)
MK Lighthouse
MK Lighthouse offers information and help on housing
and health issues, welfare rights and children.
Hours are Monday to Friday 09.30-12.30, and the
telephone number is 01908 672082.
A Career in Construction
Bconstructive are looking for people who are interested
in their ‘Step into Construction’ project.
This is a project aimed at females and Black Ethnic
Minorities who would like to enter employment and
training in construction. For more information
contact genia.duff-cooper@citb.co.uk
Women’s Business
Development Agency
The Women’s Business Development Agency was
set up in 1990 to help promote, support and develop
female-run businesses and to help women get into
work. For more information visit http://www.wbda.co.uk
Everywoman
Everywoman provides resources and support services
for women in business. For further information
visit http://www.everywoman.co.uk/
The Women's National Commission
Is the official, independent, advisory body giving
the views of women to the Government and aims to
ensure that women's views are taken into account
by the Government and are heard in public debate.
For more information, see http://www.thewnc.org.uk/
Women
Returners’ Network
The Women Returners’ Network (WRN) deals with
issues for women returning to work or learning. For
more information, go to http://www.women-returners.co.uk/cms/
Women into Science and Engineering
Women into Science and Engineering (WISE) encourages
women of all ages to consider starting or returning
to careers in science and engineering. It’s
website is: http://www.wisecampaign.org.uk
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Chipping Norton Forum for Businesswomen A networking forum for business women has been set
up in Chipping Norton. The Chippy Lippys should fulfil
a need for local businesswomen to network. For more
details about the group, call Leslie Reader on 01608
644032.
Source: In Business April/May 06
Milton Keynes Women and Work Group
Milton Keynes Women and Work Group has been working
to promote equal access to jobs and training for
unemployed women and women in low-skilled, low-paid
jobs in the Milton Keynes area, in Central England,
UK, since 1978. This group offers help with employment,
job-search skills, completing job applications
and interview techniques at our drop-in sessions.
CVs are produced free of charge. It also provides
free short courses for women planning to return
to work or training.
Click
here for further details.
Women in Enterprise
Women in Enterprise is a networking organisation
for business women in and around Milton Keynes,
and provides opportunities to network, conduct
business, share experience and learn. Interests
are wide ranging and include accountancy, dog training,
fine art and coach hire. http://www.womeninenterprise.co.uk
Women’s
Business Ownership
Prowess is a network that supports the growth of
women’s business ownership by raising awareness
and sharing good practice and information. 220
members support 100,000 women to start 10,000 new
businesses each year. Further information is available
on http://www.prowess.org.uk/default.asp
National
Women’s Enterprise
Task Force
National
Women’s Enterprise
Task Force, http://www.prowess.org.uk is a network
of partners and organisations that support women’s
business ownership. The facts pages on the website
contain a wide range of facts and figures relating
to women in the workforce.
In four of the UK regions women are more likely
than men to be setting up a socially orientated
venture or activity – the East Midlands,
London, the North East and the South East. (Global
Entrepreneurship Monitor, GEM 2004)
80% of women compared with 17% of men are responsible
for looking after the children or arranging childcare
facilities. (The barriers start to fall – Barclays
2000)
A full time nursery place for a child under
two typically costs over £7000 per year.
(Childcare Costs Survey, Daycare Trust, Jan 2005)
The costs of care can be higer for business
owners who have no option but to work flexibly
and travel to develop their business. But unlike
other essential business costs, caring is not
tax deductable.
There is a severe shortage of registered childcare
places - there are only enough childcare places
for 25% of children aged under 8. (Daycare Trust,
Jan 2005)
Total Entrepreneurial Activity (TEA) for white
females is 3.6% and is two and a half times higher
amongst women from mixed backgrounds (10.2%),
for Bangladeshi women it is (10.9%), Other Asians
(10.3%) and Black Caribbeans (10.5%). The most
entrepreneurial female grouping is that of 'other
Black' at (29.9%) of all women. (Global Entrepreneurship
Monitor, GEM, Jan 2004)
Government Green Paper Published about Foreign Nationals Seeking British Citizenship
After a UK-wide consultation, a Green Paper ‘The path to citizenship’ has been published. People who took part in the consultation wanted those seeking British Citizenship to obey the law, speak English, pay their way and contribute to their community. The Green Paper sets out the following proposals:
Three stages towards citizenship, including a probationary period requiring migrants to show their contribution to the UK. During this probationary period, migrants will not have full access to benefits.
Improved ability to speak English in order to pass probation
Anyone who has been in prison being barred from citizenship
Migrants contributing to a fund to manage the transitional impacts of migration for communities affected by migration
Migrants involved in volunteering attaining British citizenship more quickly.
Major changes are also currently taking place in the immigration system. A new Australian style points based system is being introduced, as well as a single border force for ports and airports, fingerprinting of visa applicants, new systems to count people in and out and ID cards. In November, there will be a new Bill put forward, replacing all existing immigration laws.
The Path to Citizenship green paper is available from: http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk
Source: GNN, 20th February 2008
English Lessons to be Targeted for Migrants
The Government will now be targeting English language lessons for migrants who have long term needs. Classes will be free for longstanding residents on benefits who have poor English. Demand for the courses trebled between 2001 and 2005. Local authorities will be given priorities for who should take part, and employers of migrants will be asked to pay for classes. Non-English speakers are now asked to contribute over a third of the course fees, and half of the fees from 2010. The LSC funds ESOL courses, and will in future liaise with councils to decide priority groups.
Priorities will be based on local and national priorities, including:
residents expected to stay in the country long-term
excluded women, particularly those with children under 16
parents or carers in families with multiple problems
those identified as raising particular issues for community cohesion
people with low levels of literacy in their own language
those with no secondary education
refugees
asylum seekers still in the country beyond six months awaiting a decision on their status or who cannot return home
Source: BBC online, 4th January 2008
Law to Combat Religious Hatred Now in Force
At the start of October the Racial and Religious Hatred Act came into force in England and Wales. The Act sets up a new offence of intentionally encouraging religious hatred against people on religious grounds. While Jews and Sikhs were covered under previous legislation against racial hatred, Muslims and Christians were not covered as they were seen as religious rather than racial groups. The Act can be found at: http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts2006/20060001.htm
Source: GNN, 1st October 2007
Routes2Success
The Milton Keynes College’s Routes2Success scheme has been launched. The aim of the scheme is to help people who come from overseas to live and work in Milton Keynes, and is open to people who live in Milton Keynes and want to improve their English skills. For example participants learn how to make a 999 call, how to communicate with teachers and doctors and how to chat with their neighbours.
At Knowles Nursery, a number of Bangladeshi mothers have now learnt to speak English more confidently and are now going on to take an English Speaking and Listening exam at MK College. English speaking classes are run in Conniburrow and from September new classes will take place in Fishermead, Springfield and Eaglestone. For more information contact Liz Halfpenny on 01908 608581.
Source: www.miltonkeynes.co.uk, 15th August 2007
Handbook and Network Launched
For Forced Marriage Survivors
The government’s forced marriage unit has launched
a new support network and handbook for victims of
forced marriage. The unit handles around 5,000 enquiries
each year, and helps to rescue around 300 women,
children and men trapped in abusive forced marriages
per year. 15% of cases involve men and 30% of cases
involve minors.
The new handbook offers
practical help and information for the survivors
of forced marriages. The survivors’ network
is also being launched in partnership with Karma
Nirvana, which is an NGO dealing with forced marriages.
The network aims to offer long-term emotional support.
The survivors’ handbook
can be found by clicking here
Source: GNN, 8th May 2007
International
Graduates Can Remain In UK To Work For A Year A new initiative allowing international students with
any bachelors degree or higher level qualification
to remain in the UK and work for a year after they
have completed their studies. The scheme will be introduced
from 1 May 2007 by the Government.
Minister for Lifelong Learning,
Further and Higher Education, Bill Rammell, said: "International
students bring many benefits to the UK. After the United
States, the UK is the country which attracts the most
international students and we need to build on this
enviable position.”
Source: GNN, 28th March 2007
Ethnic
Minorities Business Service
The Ethnic Minorities Business Service helps members
of ethnic minorities to start up new businesses.
Click on http://www.embs.org.uk for more, or phone
01865 794431.
NVQ Level Training
East Oxford Action offer NVQ Level Training, subsidised
by the LSC, for retailers from ethnic minority
backgrounds. Click on http://www.eastoxford.com/business for more details
Ethnic Minority Achievement and Support Service
Click on http://www.mkweb.co.uk/emass/home.asp for
information on for EMASS - the Ethnic Minority
Achievement and Support Service. EMASS provides
support, expertise, advice and resources to raise
the achievement levels of ethnic minority pupils.
Working with Refugees
A website for those working with refugees has pages
dedicated to helping those working with adults
and children. The children’s pages offer
advice and case studies from Early Years through
to 16-19. The National Refugee Integration Forum
(NRIF) also offers advice on employment and training
for refugees. Visit http://www.nrif.org.uk
Housing Boost for Milton Keynes'
Somali community
The Ethnic Minorities Innovation Fund have injected
a cash boost of more than £40,000 to help cut
homelessness in the Somali community in Milton Keynes.
The grant will be used to fund a worker based in
the community who will give local residents better
access to information about the housing that is available.
Source: http://www.mkweb.co.uk/localnews/home.asp
Asian Business Network
Asian Business Network (ABC) has launched a new initiative
to help business people from all walks of life. ABC
will look to help companies to come together behind
the scenes, to swap stories about best practice and
learn about latest developments and tools to help them
grow, expand and prosper. Monthly meetings will be
held at the Buckinghamshire Chilterns University College
under the chairmanship of Munir Hussain of Soundsorba
Limited.
Source: http://www.bucksfreepress.co.uk
Travellers’ Support
The Milton Keynes Travellers Education Service promotes
access to education for traveller pupils, and support
to schools and families to enable full potential
is reached. For more information click here. http://www.mkweb.co.uk/emass/DisplayArticle.asp?ID=20553
Milton Keynes Council Out Of Hours Call Centre
Tel: 01908 226699
Oxfordshire County Council
Information is available on and for Gypsies and Travellers
on the Oxfordshire County Council Web Page under
Council Services and Community Living http://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk
Easier ways of returning library materials
The Society of Chief Librarians has agreed that children
and young people who are Travellers, looked-after
or refugees/asylum-seekers – and their parents
or carers – can return library materials to
any library in the UK (also without any overdue charges
being made), and that the library will then make
arrangements to return the items to the originating
library free-of-charge. This decision also ties in
to the work currently being developed by the Social
Exclusion Unit on “Disadvantaged people who
move frequently”.
Source: http://www.gypsy-traveller.org/press.htm#library
Commission For Racial Equality Funded Organisations
Throughout 2005 and 2006 the Commission for Racial
Equality (CRE) funded 86 organisations that work
in local areas, amongst local communities and promote
racial equality as well as tackling racial discrimination.
The funding went towards racial equality councils
and partnerships (RECs and REPs) and also law centres,
housing partnerships and community organisations.
For further information on the CRE click
here.
The contact details for Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire
and Milton Keynes centres are:
Aylesbury Vale REC
c/o Bucks County Council
Old County Hall
Aylesbury
Buckinghamshire
HP20 1UA
Tel: 01296 425334
Fax: 01296 425334
Email: avrec@ukonline.co.uk
Chairman: Mr Roger Priest
Director: Mr Hari Wadhwa
MILTON KEYNES REC
Acorn House
377 Midsummer Boulevard
MILTON KEYNES
MK9 3HP
Tel: 01908 606 828/224
Fax: 01908 606 224
Email: navritaa@aol.com
Chairperson: Dr S T Nesaratnam
Director: Ms Navrita Atwal
OXFORDSHIRE REC
The Old Courthouse
Floyds Row
St Aldates
OXFORD
OX1 1SS
Tel: 01865 791 891
Fax: 01865 726 150
Email: oxfordshirerec@yahoo.co.uk
For information about post-16
opportunities and services for young people with
disabilities, visit http://www.after16.org.uk/
For a list of specialist independent colleges providing
further education and training to meet the learning
needs of students with learning difficulties and/or
disabilities, see http://www.natspec.org.uk/index.php?id=4
WORKSTEP - Improved Employer Incentive
The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions has announced changes to the WORKSTEP programme which helps disabled people find and retain paid employment. The sustained progression payment is to increase from £500 to £2000. The aim is to provide a better financial incentive for providers to move people into unsupported, independent work when they are able and ready to do so. Supported employees on the WORKSTEP programme either work in jobs in the open labour market, in supported placements, or within supported businesses established to employ disabled people.
Source: GNN, 21st January 2008
Independent Living Strategy Published
The Office for Disability Issues has published the ‘Independent Living Strategy’, which is a cross-government strategy, developed in partnership with disabled people with the aim of giving them more choice and control over the support they receive and greater access to transport, health, employment and housing.
The Government has a vision of equality for all disabled people by 2025. Six central Government departments have committed as part of the strategy to give disabled people more opportunities by working with disabled people and their organisations.
The Strategy includes the following commitments:
To develop a national strategy supporting people to stay in work should they become disabled or if their condition deteriorates
An awareness campaign targeting disabled people, and practitioners in social work, the NHS and other organisations to ensure that services are delivered in ways that give disabled people more choice
To demonstrate how to shift resources from professional assessment and care management to user-led advocacy, brokerage and support
A toolkit to assist in building local independent living strategies relating to older disabled people
A regional scheme to develop independent living opportunities for older disabled people who need high levels of support
Good practice guidance to help people to have choice and control over their future health care.
The Department of Health has announced additional funding for 12 user-led organisations that support disabled people to have more choice and control.
New Work Tests to Be Introduced for Disabled People
The Government has announced it will introduce a new work capability test for disabled people from October 2008. The test now focuses on what disabled people can do, rather than what they cannot do, aiming to reduce the number of people claiming incapacity benefit. The Employers’ Forum on Disability (EFD) has welcomed the introduction of the new test, but believes that employers must be given more support to enable disabled people to gain sustainable jobs. The EFD is also concerned that the test may not reflect the ability of those with fluctuating conditions such as cancer, HIV or mental ill health.
The new tests look at employment potential, and assess work-related skills rather than how many steps people can climb or what they can carry.
The Government estimates that 50% of people taking the assessment will not pass it, so that 20,000 fewer people a year will enter 'sickness' benefits as a result, and will instead be given the support and skills they need to get a job. The test will be introduced in October 2008 alongside the new Employment and Support Allowance and will apply to people claiming the new allowance. It replaces the current Personal Capability Assessment,
Source: GNN, 19th November 2007; HRLook website, 20th November 2007
ODI Research Published About
Independent Living
The Office for Disability Issues (ODI) has published
research Better outcomes, lower costs summarising
existing evidence relating to savings to social and
health care budgets that can be attained by investing
in housing adaptations in addition to the benefits
that individuals and wider society experience through
independent living.
Support for Pupils with Dyslexia
The ‘No to Failure’ project was launched
in the London Borough of Southwark during May, aiming
to ensure that children with dyslexia get support
at school. The project has identified ‘trailblazer’ schools
and local authorities offering good practice in meeting
the needs of students with dyslexia. Through these ‘trailblazers’ the
project plans to deliver the following:
• Champion specialist
dyslexia training for teachers;
• Develop examples of good practice which can be extended
locally and nationally; and
• Forge stronger partnerships with dyslexia charities
and businesses to provide quality support and education
for dyslexia pupils.
The government is offering £900,000
in funding to be matched by charitable contributions
in cash
or kind to launch 'No to Failure' as an independent,
managed project. The first pilot project is in the
London Borough of Southwark.
Source: GNN, 15th May 2007
DisabledGo
DisabledGo is a website that provides information
for disabled people. The site offers information
on how accessible hotels, cinemas, restaurants,
offices, pubs, shops and other services are across
the UK. The site also has a job searching facility
featuring inclusive employers. For more information
visit http://www.disabledgo.info/Default.asp
DVD to Highlight Challenges Faced by Deaf People
Youngsters in Oxfordshire have made a DVD which highlights
the challenges faced by deaf people. The DVD is
called Deafness Matters and was first viewed at
the Oxford Deaf and Hard of Hearing Centre in Littlegate
Street, Oxford. The film lasts about 40 minutes
and shows a week in the life of deaf and hard of
hearing young people. As the film is a DVD, viewers
can select if they want to watch the film with
or without subtitles or sign language to appear
on the screen. The Oxfordshire Deaf Children’s
Society would like the film to be available for
use in schools and libraries so people can be made
aware of the challenges that hard of hearing people
face. More information about the Oxfordshire Deaf
Children’s Society can be found by calling
01865 234447.
Source: www.oxfordmail.net, 16th January 2007
New guide
to improve information for disabled people
A five point guide to improve information for disabled
people has been launched by Minister for Disabled People,
Anne McGuire. The Office for Disability Issues (ODI)
wrote the guide following research showing that a lack
of, or misleading information, can be an important
factor in preventing disabled people from getting services
they need.
The new guide contains five guidelines to improve
information for disabled people:
1. Ensure that disabled people are involved from
the start
2. Provide information through a range of channels
and formats
3. Ensure your information meets users' needs
4. Clearly signpost other services
5. Always make it clear who is responsible for the
information provided.
Source: GNN 6th February 2007
Queen
Elizabeth's Foundation Training College
Queen Elizabeth's Foundation Training College provides
work based residential training for adults with disabilities
or long term health problems, who are hoping to gain
sustainable employment. They offer 13 courses in
commercial, technical and trade subjects and use
a holistic approach which helps with confidence building.
There is also the opportunity to achieve nationally
recognised qualifications (available on almost all
courses). The training begins with an assessment
and offers continued support, following which there
is the opportunity to undertake a period of work
experience in the person's home area. A limited number
of non-residential places are available. Application
is made via the Disability Employment Adviser at
Job Centre Plus and is available to those on Incapacity
Benefit, Income Support or Job Seekers Allowance
living in the UK. Further information, a prospectus
and details of open days can be found by clicking
here otherwise contact Angela
Webb on 01372 841152 or angela.webb@qetc.org
National agencies offering support to people
with disabilities include:
Directgov Click
here to see information for disabled people provided
by Directgov, the supplier of public services information.
Disability Now
Disability Now is a monthly online magazine for disabled
people. The site features information on learning,
living, news and there is also a job vacancy section.
To view the website click
here
NATSPEC
NATSPEC is a member association for specialist independent
colleges catering for people with learning difficulties
and disabilities. For further information, see http://www.natspec.org.uk/
More Support for Disabled Children and their Families
Milton Keynes Council (MKC) has signed up with the Every Disabled Child Matters campaign charter which means that families with disabled children can expect to receive more help and support. The signing of the charter means that MKC has pledged to achieve certain objectives regarding the support which is offered to disabled children. One of the council’s roles is to provide education and social care service to families with disabled children. The council will therefore be launching a Child with Disabilities service in 2008. Objectives from the charter include:
• Creating a key worker service to work with families who require support from more than one agency
• Providing staff with the necessary training to work with disabled children
• Ensuring that disabled children and their families are involved in the planning and delivery of services.
More details on the Every Child Matters campaign can be found by visiting http://www.edcm.org.uk
Source: www.miltonkeynes.co.uk, 10th October 2007
Mencap’s Gateway Awards
Mencap's Gateway Award can offer an exciting range of activites and opportunities to give young people the confidence and skills to reach their goals. Aimed at anyone who is 13 or over, the Award is particularly suitable for young people with a learning disability. They can take part in three different awards - bronze, silver and gold. Young people usually take the bronze award first, and the silver and gold later on. It is also possible to enter the silver and gold awards directly. Young people have to complete five sections when they take part in each award: Hobbies, Service, Adventure Challenge, Physical Recreation and Lifestyle. To find out more visit http://www.mencap.org.uk/gatewayaward, call 0121 707 7877 or email gateway.award@mencap.org.uk
Hidden Faces Project
Oxford Film and Video Makers (OFVM) have been working with people with learning disabilities to produce films about their lives as part of the Oxfordshire 2007 celebrations. The project is called Hidden Faces and over a three day workshop at the Albion Centre in Chipping Norton, 30 people with learning disabilities from across Oxfordshire made films about their lives. Richard Duriez, from OVFM said: “People with learning difficulties don’t
