The Interim Director for Regeneration and Place introduced her report which detailed part of the Wirral Ways to Work programme and the Wirral Worklessness Support Service to increase opportunities for people, particularly from deprived communities, to allow local people to benefit from the regeneration programme. Officers from Involve Northwest, the incumbent suppliers of the Council commissioned Worklessness Support Service contract, then presented the report. Their work had originally focussed on people on benefits but since the Covid-19 pandemic had broadened, although it still aimed to enable clients to achieve sustainable, long-term employment. Over the previous year, 836 people had been helped into employment and 87% of people tended to remain so. As well as direct placements they helped people overcome barriers with goal setting, confidence building and advice. They had noted trends including people searching for second jobs for financial reasons, a reduction in zero-hours contracts, increase in carers seeking work, and people seeking sociable work rather than working from home.

Resolved – That the report and supporting information contained in Appendices 1 and 2 of this report be noted.