Issue - meetings

[To approve a series of dedicated and focussed interventions to support 18-24 years olds into work over a 12 month period]

1.     That the launch of a new Wolves at Work 18-24 Programme of targeted interventions which puts our young people at the centre of activity be approved to urgently deliver the step change needed in our City to give unemployed young people opportunities for secure, sustainable employment, apprenticeships, education or training.

2.     That an initial £3 million budget, from a combination of the Recovery Reserve and Covid Emergency Grant be approved to deliver Wolves at Work 18-24 and galvanise a ‘One City’ approach to create opportunities for our young people.

3.     That the establishment of a £100,000 ‘City Ideas Fund’, initially (funded from the £3 million available) be approved, for City employers and partners to bid for and put forward ideas that will get more young people into sustained employment, apprenticeships, education or training.

4.     That authority be delegated to the Leader of the Council, in consultation with the Chief Executive and the Director of Finance, to approve:

a. Wolves at Work 18-24 targeted interventions and the allocation of the associated budget (from the £3 million available).

b. The scope and governance arrangements for the ‘City Ideas Fund’.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Ian Brookfield presented the report Wolves at Work 18-24 – Youth Employment. The report sought approval for the developing and resourcing of the Wolves at Work 18-24 scheme, which would support young people currently claiming benefits and aged 18 to 24 into sustainable employment, apprenticeships, education or training.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Ian Brookfield noted that the youth unemployment levels in the City were more than double the national average and that this scheme would help tackle the issue. 

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Ian Brookfield proposed the recommendations and Councillor Stephen Simkins seconded the recommendations.

The report was debated by Council.

Resolved:

1.     That the launch of a new Wolves at Work 18-24 Programme of targeted interventions which puts our young people at the centre of activity be approved to urgently deliver the step change needed in our City to give unemployed young people opportunities for secure, sustainable employment, apprenticeships, education or training.

2.     That an initial £3 million budget, from a combination of the Recovery Reserve and Covid Emergency Grant be approved to deliver Wolves at Work 18-24 and galvanise a ‘One City’ approach to create opportunities for our young people.

3.     That the establishment of a £100,000 ‘City Ideas Fund’, initially (funded from the £3 million available) be approved, for City employers and partners to bid for and put forward ideas that will get more young people into sustained employment, apprenticeships, education or training.

4.     That authority be delegated to the Leader of the Council, in consultation with the Chief Executive and the Director of Finance, to approve:

a. Wolves at Work 18-24 targeted interventions and the allocation of the associated budget (from the £3 million available).

b. The scope and governance arrangements for the ‘City Ideas Fund’.