These pages are checked and updated with new information
each edition. Please browse to find new information.
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)
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
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
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
A large role for smaller providers who provide high quality performance.
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
Minimum Wage Increases
From the start of October, over a million workers received a pay rise as the minimum wage increased from £5.35 to £5.52 for people over 21; from £4.44 to 4.60 for 18 to 21 year olds; and from £3.30 to £3.40 per hour for 16 and 17 year olds. The national minimum wage was first introduced in 1999.
At the same time, up to 6 million workers will benefit from an increase to the annual leave entitlement from 20 to 24 days for people working five day weeks. The entitlement is due to rise again to 28 days from April 2009.
Source: BBC online, various dates 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
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 a 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, by clicking on the ’EURES ADVISERS’ button
and using the search mechanism provided.
0800 Number Launched By Jobcentre
Plus
In May 2007, 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
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
SELF-EMPLOYMENT/BUSINESS SUPPORT
This section provides information and links on help and advice for
those clients who wish to go self-employed or need help with their business.
Click
here for the No Nonsense Guide to Starting a Business including case studies on business start ups and running your
own business from Business Link
In addition, BusinessLink has online diagnostic tools to help those wanting
to start up a business. Click
here to access
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.
Business Link hold seminars and events throughout Surrey click
here for
details
Surrey County Council Small Business Newsletters
If you operate a business within Surrey, Trading Standards offers you a free advice service. This will help you comply with any legislation relevant to your individual business needs. The Surrey Trading Standards Small Business Newsletter is available online. Click here to access the newsletter or, if you would like a paper copy, or have suggestions for future publications, please ring: 01372 371737.
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
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
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
Business Link Business Startup
Pilot Rolled Out Across South East
Events about Starting Your Own Business will be available
across the South East region, after the success of
a trial run by Business Link in Berkshire. Interested
individuals can attend up to four three-hour workshops
that run in the mornings, afternoons, evenings or
weekends.
The workshop programme is intended to be flexible,
so that people in employment can attend at times
convenient to themselves. Follow-up support for those
who choose to start their own business will then
be available over the first few years. There are
also courses specifically for women and some for
social enterprises. For further information about
the workshops, call 0845 600 9 006.
Source: icberkshire website, 1st August 2007
Business Link at Council Offices
Elmbridge Borough Council and Business Link have joined up to provide free advice clinics for local businesses out of Council offices in Esher. An adviser from Business Link will help customers take their business forward by creating a tailored action plan. The adviser is then on hand to help monitor progress and can offer advice about getting further support if needed. To book an appointment at a clinic or to find out more information call Business Link on 0845 600 9006, or visit the website at http://www.businesslinksurrey.co.uk.
Source: Elbridge Borough Council website 5th October 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
Immigration Support for Businesses
A hotline for employers worried about employing illegal immigrants has been set up by the border and immigration team on call 0845 010 6677
Source: Ilford Recorder, 9th August 2007
Free
Trial of Business Recycling Service
A business which recycles waste from other companies
is offering a month’s free trial of its service.
John Cauchi set up Dove Recycling in 2005 when he
realised there were few services available for businesses
to recycle their waste. He found that around 80 and
90% of business waste was going to landfill sites
when it could actually be recycled.
The company currently services around 500 businesses
in Surrey, Hampshire, Wiltshire, Berkshire, Dorset
and West Sussex. Dove Recycling provides companies
with bags and containers to fill with their recyclable
waste. The bags are then collected and recycled.
Paper, confidential waste, cardboard, glass bottles,
drinks cans and mobile phones are all items which
can be collected and recycled. A charge is made depending
on the level of waste that is collected. For more
information visit http://www.doverecycling.co.uk or call 01489 894477.
Source: Woking News and Mail, 7th 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
Campaign to Get Businesses into Broadband
Connected Surrey based in Woking is a company which
is helping businesses with their broadband access.
One of the aims of the South East Development Agency
(SEEDA) is to encourage broadband use to improve
the potential of businesses. Their campaign is
called the ‘e-adoption ladder’ and
Connected Surrey is helping businesses meet these
targets. The ‘e-adoption ladder campaign’ has
a number of stages that are being promoted. These
are: level one, email, internet; level 2, website,
on-line communications; level 3, e-commerce, e-ordering;
level 4, e-business, electronic payment; level
5, transformed organisation, e-enabled. For further
information on e-business the Connected Surrey
Broadband Partnership can be contacted on 08456
009 006 or by visiting http://www.connectedsurrey.com
Source: Woking News and Mail, 1st March 2007
Train to Gain in Surrey
Guildford College is leading a consortium of colleges
and providers to ensure that high-quality training
is delivered. This is part of Train to Gain’s
service to help businesses in Surrey identify any
training they need in order to perform well. Train
to Gain allows staff to complete their first Level
2 qualification free of charge. Companies which
have less than 50 employers can further benefit
from the scheme as they can apply for contributions
to wage costs (up to £200) to cover the cost
have having to find temporary replacements while
staff are taking part in training.
Source: Surrey Advertiser, 9th February 2007
South
East Leadership Academy
The South East Development Agency (SEEDA) has given £225,000
funding for a leadership academy to boost the economy
of the South East. Surrey University will be leading
the consortium of higher education institutions.
As part of the academy two specialist leadership
advisers will be recruited to give advice to businesses.
In total there will be four advisers. Other consortium
members include Henley Management College, the Open
University Business School, Oxford Brookes University,
Royal Holloway University in Surrey and the University
of Greenwich in south east London and Kent. The advisers
will give around 145 business support days a year
to around 50 businesses in the South East. The South
East SEEDA region includes Oxford, Bedfordshire,
Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, Hampshire, Isle of
Wight, Surrey, Sussex and Kent.
Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk, 29th January 2007
Support for Surrey Economic Partnership
The Surrey Economic Partnership
(SEP) is looking for business
leaders who would like to play
a part in helping sustainable
economic growth
to develop. Guy Thompson the Chairman for (SEP) appealed for entrepreneurs
and company directors from Surrey to become more involved with the
SEP and their campaigns. Joining
in with the forums and working
groups is
one way that the business community can help Surrey’s economic
interests. SEP works alongside Surrey County Council and the South
East Development Agency. For a free copy of a magazine/report from
SEP email info@surreyeconomicpartnership.org or
download a copy from http://www.surreyeconomicpartnership.org
Extended Service from Surrey Chambers of Commerce
Members of Surrey Chamber will be able to apply
for a new service from the British Chamber of
Commerce. The British Chamber of Commerce Chamber
Connext card entitles members of accredited chambers
to use the facilities of other participating
accredited chambers while traveling.
This may include attendance at networking events;
access to mailing lists; access to facilities such
as meeting rooms and hot desks; access to executive
lounges in airports and discounts on hospitality
packages.
Information is available on http://www.chamberconnect.info
Source: Surrey and North Hants Business News Winter
2006
Train to Gain Service
Skills South East is the region's Skills Broker for Train to Gain. Train to Gain is the
Learning and Skills Council’s (LSC) service
which helps businesses get training that they need.
Skills South East is a partnership of the six Business
Link Service Providers and the South East Development
Agency (SEEDA). Employers and businesses in Surrey
will be able to benefit from business advice on
training and skills. Train to Gain is particularly
targeted at smaller businesses to help them grow.
Some of the training has to be paid for by the
employer, but some training such as Skills for
Life qualifications, first full level 2 qualifications
and Apprenticeships will be subsidised by the Government.
A call handling centre in Burgess Hill will take
initial calls and enquiries will then be passed
on to the team of skills brokers in the South East.
The national call rate number is 0845 751 2288.
Employment Match Service
The Surrey Advertiser Group has a recruitment
service called matchyourcv. It allows job seekers
the chance to have their CV seen by employers in
Surrey, Hampshire, Berkshire and the Thames Valley.
The service is free and easy to use. Employers
can be directed to suitable candidates through
a database and jobseekers can also be notified
of vacancies which are suitable to what they are
looking for. For more information visit http://www.matchyourcv.co.uk.
Women
and Equality Unit for a range of information for women
including returning to work, family tax credits, promoting women in science
and so on.
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
higher 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)
Prowessis
an association of organisations established to supporting women in
business
Mothers Lose Out by Returning Part-time
Research published 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
SEEDA information about Women’s Enterprise can be accessed by clicking here
Source: SEEDA Website, November 2007
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
Domestic Violence Victims - Outreach Service
Victims of domestic violence can report incidents to an outreach service
rather than having to report directly to the police. Since many victims
are reluctant to report offences to the police, Surrey Police has
been working with outreach services. The result of this collaboration
is
that more offences are being recorded – with a concomitant
rise in recorded crime. The police have stated that the public should
be
aware that one in four violent crimes recorded in Surrey are domestic
abuse offences. The outreach services are independent of Surrey Police,
being delivered by voluntary sector organisations.
Source: icnewsonline 26/04/06
Contact numbers for Surrey Domestic Violence Outreach Service:
North West Surrey Outreach Service 01483 776822.
North Surrey Outreach Service 01932 260690.
Guildford Outreach Service 01483 577392/268661.
Waverley Outreach Service 01483 523205/268661.
East Surrey Outreach Service 01737 771350.
Victim Support Services contact numbers:
North West Surrey 01483 770457
Runnymede & Elmbridge 01932 855110
Epsom & District 01372 743650
Esher & District 01372 470690
Spelthorne 01784 446202
Guildford 01252 326052
Waverley 01252 573351
East Surrey 01737 766323
Mole Valley 01306 875866
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/
The Women's National Commission
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 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
Everywoman
Everywoman provides resources and support services
for women in business. For further information
visit http://www.everywoman.co.uk/
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
Business Forums for Women
University of Surrey are running a series of monthly CanDoCanBe marketing forums for Women from September to December 2007. Forum topics include Marketing Basics, Personal Branding, Internet Marketing, Permission-Based Marketing and Low Cost Marketing. Contact forums@candocanbe.com or call 01428 607745
Back to top SUPPORT FOR ETHNIC MINORITY GROUPS AND TRAVELLERS
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
Woking Asian Business Forum Launch
A new forum was launched in October aiming to promote, encourage and support Asian business development in Woking Borough. Supporting the Woking Asian Business Forum are Woking Borough Council, Business Link, the local chambers of commerce, SEEDA, Learning and Skills Council and the local Asian business community. The Woking Asian Business Forum (WABF) intends to identify Asian businesses with potential and offer the support services they need to help them develop and grow. For further information about the Asian Business Forum, please phone 01483 710830 or email info@wabf.org.uk
Source: Woking Borough Council website, 23rd October 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
Easier ways of returning
library materials
The Society of Chief Librarians have 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
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
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 and centres
across the UK click here
National agencies offering support to
people with disabilities include:
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/
Skill is the national bureau
for students with disabilities, promoting opportunities
for young people and adults
with disabilities in education and employment. For
further information, see http://www.skill.org.uk/
Click
here to see information for disabled people provided
by Directgov, the provider 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.
Office for Disability Issues
The government Office for Disability Issues is the focal point within government to coordinate disability policy across all departments and take forward the Life Chances Report to ensure robust implementation of its recommendations. http://www.officefordisability.gov.uk/
The ODI recently published two research reports Better Outcomes, Lower Costs and The Costs and Benefits of Independent Living which will inform our independent living strategy which is launched early in 2008.
For information about post-16
opportunities and services for young people with
disabilities, visit http://www.after16.org.uk/
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. To see the Independent Living Strategy, visit: http://www.officefordisability.gov.uk/independent/strategy.asp
Source: GNN, 3rd March 2008
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
Government Advisory Network of Disabled People Meets for First Time
Equality 2025 will hold its first public meeting in Birmingham on 12 November 2007 to seek the opinions of disabled people about items that government need to tackle. The Advisory Network on Disability Equality would like a wide variety of people to attend from all parts of the UK. Equality 2025 aims to influence government policy relating to services for disabled people, and has 23 members with a variety of disabilities and experience. It has a membership of 23 disabled people with diverse impairments, skills and experiences.
To find out more, visit http://www.officefordisability.gov.uk/equality2025/
Source: GNN, 5th October 2007
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
Mencap’s Gateway Awards
Mencap's Gateway Award can offer an exciting range of activities 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
UK signs new Human Rights Convention for Disabled People
The UK was one of the first countries to sign the
United Nations Convention on Disability Rights
in March. Minister
for Disabled People, Anne McGuire, signed the Convention
at a ceremony at the UN in New York. The Convention
covers items such as disabled people’s rights
to education, employment and participation in political
and public life.
Ms McGuire said: "I am proud to be able to
sign the Convention for the UK… But it's not
just our citizens who will benefit from this. There
are around 650 million disabled people worldwide
who stand to see an improvement in their lives too
- especially in the developing world where 80% of
the world's disabled population live. This Convention
at last puts disabled people's human rights on an
equal footing with everyone else's."
Source: GNN, 29th March 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 problem, who are hoping to gain
sustainable employment. They offer 13 courses in commercial,
technical and trade subjects and their holistic approach
helps with confidence building as well as the opportunity
to achieve nationally recognised qualifications (available
on almost all courses). The training begins with an
assessment and offers continued support throughout
the training, 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 are contained within their website http://www.qefd.org/ otherwise
contact Angela Webb on 01372 841152 or email angela.webb@qetc.org
Introduction of Charter to Benefit Disabled Children
Kingston Council has signed a new charter which will
benefit the disabled children of Kingston. The
council is one of the first to sign the Local Authority
Charter which means it has committed itself to
ensure that all necessary information is gathered
on disabled children, that there is a key worker
service to support families who access more than
one specialist service and that parents and carers
receive accurate and well timed information. In
the future disabled children will be involved in
drawing up the council’s Disability Equality
Scheme. The charter will run for three years and
has been organised by Contact a Family Council
for Disabled Children, Mencap and the Special Education
Consortium.
Source: www.yourlocalguardian.co.uk, 13th November
2006
Images of disability website
Targeting communications professionals, the http://www.imagesofdisability.gov.uk website has recently been launched, giving guidance
about the way to portray disabled people in communications
materials. The website includes the following materials:
An extensive Media Gallery - containing examples
of positive portrayals of disabled people across
a range of media channels
'How to...' guides and templates - from campaign
briefing to production
Sample briefs
Tips and techniques about effectively applying
a disability message to a campaign
Useful research material
Case studies and articles about disability
Source: GNN 07/08/06
Sustainable Employment from Oakleaf Enterprise
A charity in Guildford called Oakleaf Enterprise
is helping people with mental, physical and learning
disabilities to lead full and productive lives.
The charity develops its client’s interpersonal,
practical and academic skills with the intention
of the client being able to gain mainstream or
sheltered employment. The service has run for more
than 10 years and gives advice and support about
training and further education to people aged between
16 and 65 years. Clients can receive training in
upholstery, horticulture, IT and printing, packing
and catering. The current project that the centre
is working on is called Rework, a commercial employment
agency which focuses on sustaining employment for
disabled people. Contact Oakleaf Enterprise at: 01483 303649 or visit their website at http://www.oakleaf-enterprise.org/index.htm
Source: Surrey Advertiser, 04/08/2006
Free Ticket to Ride for Over 60s and Disabled 11 million older
and disabled people can now apply for free off
peak local bus travel. Transport Secretary
Alistair Darling said: “Buses
offer flexible and convenient transport and concessionary fares will
encourage more people to take the bus as well as helping people stay
independent.” Arrangements in local areas vary, but those
aged 60 and over and disabled people should apply to their local
authority
for a bus pass.
Back to top
New Service for People with Asperger Syndrome A new Surrey-wide charity-run service has been set up for Adults
with a form of autism called Asperger syndrome. The National Autistic
Society
(NAS) has set up the Asperger Support Signposting and Information
Services Team (Assist) to offer specialist support to people with
the disability
and their parents or carers.
The service, based in Godalming, provides
one-to-one and group workshops for over-16s
which offer advice on benefits, housing,
social relationships and employment. It
is being funded by Waverley and Guildford
Primary Care Trust and Surrey County Autism
Group. For more information visit - www.assists.org.uk -
Source: http://www.youreable.com
North West Surrey Association of Disabled People
A free, independent and confidential advocacy and support service for
people with physical or sensory impairments aged between 17 – 64
in Woking, Runnymede, Spelthorne, West Elmbridge and Englefield Green
areas .
See http://askwide.org.uk/ for more information
Surrey Association for Visual
Impairment
Surrey Association for Visual Impairment provides
Information, support and advice, professional assessment
of needs, and support for friends and family of visually
impaired. Types of help include:
Classes in Braille, Moon and Typing;
Use of magnifiers, lighting and reading
equipment; Day Courses e.g. use of
talking microwaves
A chance to test a computer and training
on computers with speech output and
magnification as an alternative to
pen and paper
Everyday living skills and equipment
to help cope in the home and at work
Grants and loans for individuals
with needs related to sight loss
Training for organisations in reasonable
adjustments’ as required by the
Disability Discrimination Act
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
Television Channel for Deaf People
A new television channel which is dedicated for deaf
people has been launched. The channel is called
VeeSee and viewers will be able to watch sign language
news and television programmes 24 hours a day.
The channel can be accessed via the internet or
a set-top box. Deaf film makers also get to show
off their skills through the television channel.
To view the VeeSee website visit http://www.veesee.co.uk/
Surrey County Council website provides information
on carers support: For information, support and
advice to enable you to access training
with a view to gaining employment, call Action for Carers and Employment.
East Surrey : 01737 244220 or West Surrey : 01483 565874
A confidential Carers Line is available on 0808 808 7777, which is
provided free by Carers UK. Lines are open Monday to Friday from 10am
- 12 noon
, and from 2 - 4pm.
Action for Carers (Surrey) has a young person’s carers group – website
below: http://www.surrey-youngcarers.org.uk Multiple
Sclerosis (MS) Society
The Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society offers support
to sufferers and carers of someone who has the disease.
The MS Society in Sutton can be contacted on 020
8395 6060. The society offers advice and support
to its members as well as providing information about
MS nurses in the area and local therapy centres.
A number of branches also have adapted transport
and holiday homes.
Rise in Carers’ Allowable Earnings
At the start of October, the amount carers can earn without losing Carer’s Allowance rose from £87 to £95 per week, after income tax and NI contributions. From April 2008, the rise means that carers should be able to receive over £7,500 in combined earnings and benefits. The Government is currently reviewing the National Carers Strategy. Carers who employ someone to look after children under 16 or a disabled person are still entitled to the Carer’s Allowance and can earn more than the normal limit.
Source: GNN, 21st September 2007
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 2.6 Million Carers Get Right To Request Flexible
Working
From April 2007, 2.6 million carers will get the
right to request flexible working as the Work and
Families Act comes into force.
Trade and Industry Secretary Alistair Darling said:
"Over 2.65m carers
will have the right to request flexible working
for the first time. It will make
a real difference to those who give so much. It takes
the number of people with this right to more than
six million since it was first introduced in 2003
for parents of young and disabled children.
"Those rights are
being worked through closely with business, who
increasingly realise flexible
working makes sense for them.
"Flexible working
for carers is right for business, right for families
and is at the centre of the modern
work-life balance economy."
Source: GNN, 6th April 2007
This section is designed to help older people getting back into the
labour market, and people with caring responsibilities for older people
who might want to get back into the labour market (see also support
for carers).
Croners Age Positive Tips
Leading employment law experts Croner have reported
that those employers attempting to not be ageist
by actively recruiting older workers could
actually be risking age discrimination. The assertion is tied in
with the release of research conducted by the Chartered
Institute of Personnel
and Development (CIPD) which outlined that 70% of UK employers
are actively seeking to recruit the over 55's.
When the new regulations
are enforced however, employers actively targeting older or younger
employees may not be operating on the right side of the law, as
under the Employment Equality (Age) Regulations
2006, certain age groups
can only be pinpointed if they are underrepresented in the workforce.
Croners employment services director Richard Smith stated: "The
CIPD research findings show that employers are thinking positively
about age, but it could mislead them that recruiting from specified
age groups, young or old, is always acceptable." The employment
law specialists have also created a number of top tips for companies
to follow in creating an age positive organisation:
Audit
policies and procedures to ensure they encourage
fair and non discriminatory treatment and
communicate them to employees
Train
managers on any potential issues they face
and how to deal with those issues
Take
prompt action if issues are raised
Give
clear feedback on inappropriate behaviour
Monitor
statistics on age profile in your workforce
Talk
to/survey all employers to identify common
areas of concern
