The Strategic Director: Regeneration and Environment reported that at its meeting held on 16 January 2013 (minute 46 refers), the Economy and Regeneration Overview and Scrutiny Committee reviewed a detailed analysis of the effect of the economy on youth unemployment. He provided Members with an updated position on youth unemployment together with updates in relation to interventions that were available at national, city region and local levels to support young people into employment. He provided also an updated statistical Appendix, which reviewed data changes since the previous report.

Members expressed a view that although the improvement of employment prospects in Wirral was a key feature of the Council’s Corporate Plan, youth unemployment specifically was a major concern for the Council. He welcomed all of the initiatives set out within the report and requested that a further update be presented to the 9 April 2014 meeting.

Councillor Johnston indicated that he had agreed to Chair a Task and Finish Group to undertake a piece of scrutiny work in relation to apprenticeships, which would soon be presented to the Committee. Members were eager that officers should take all opportunities to improve the Wirral apprenticeship offer. However, some concerns were expressed with regard to the real value of some apprenticeships being undertaken by young people and whether they all led to a specific trade qualification. There was also concern that unscrupulous employers could avoid paying a minimum wage using the guise of an apprenticeship.

The Head of Regeneration commented that youth unemployment was a particular challenge for the Council and that officers attached a significant priority to it. He proposed to bring back an update to the April 2014 meeting and to take up the comments from Members and specifically, whether the Corporate Plan had sufficient focus on youth unemployment.

Resolved –

(1)  That the report be noted.

(2)  That the officers be requested to do all that is possible in addressing youth unemployment and improving the Wirral apprenticeship offer giving consideration to the value and quality of apprenticeships offered.

(3)  That the Cabinet be requested to consider placing a significant priority on addressing youth unemployment by emphasising its importance in the Corporate Plan.

(4)  That a further update be presented to the April 2014 meeting, the update to include a breakdown of apprenticeships undertaken by way of trade and timescale.