The Deputy Chief Executive / Director of Corporate Services submitted an update on the implementation of the Future Jobs Fund and sought approval for the submission of a new bid to the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) for further jobs opportunities under the Wirral element of the Liverpool City Region programme. 

As reported and approved at Cabinet in June 2009 (minute 50 refers), a Future Jobs Fund Team had been recruited as part of the support package for this project. The 4 posts had been contracted in accordance with the time limited funding up to 31 March 2011. Due to the extension of the DWP initiative as detailed in the report, Members were asked to support an extension to the Future Jobs Fund Team staff contracts up to October 2011, subject to confirmation of additional funding from DWP. Approvals would be taken via a report to Employment and Appointments Committee on confirmation of a grant offer. Any potential additional costs associated with these staff extensions would be met from existing approved delivery costs within the Working Wirral programme.

Resolved – That,

(1) the submission of a new bid to the Department of Work & Pensions Future Jobs Fund initiative via Knowsley Council as Lead Accountable Body for the Liverpool City Region Programme be supported; and

(2) the number and type of new employment opportunities within Wirral Council departments detailed in this report be included in the forthcoming bid.