UKSPF People and Skills: finding more than a job
UKSPF People and Skills is helping over 1,300 residents in our sub-region to find employment that works for them.
Many of the people the programme intends to help have mental or physical health issues, or other circumstances preventing them from looking for work.
Since starting in January 2024, over 1,300 people have been referred onto the programme, which is being delivered by our member boroughs’ employment brokerage services.
Through UKSPF People and Skills local people have been equipped with the understanding they need to manage their health and wellbeing long term, and locally-tailored employment support; including upskilling adults, particularly those with no or low-level qualifications.
As a result of the commitment of teams in our boroughs, the programme is helping people who were not looking for work consider themselves ready or closer to seeking employment.
- 55% of people on the programme are now actively job searching
- 26% have reported an increase employability skills
- 13% of people have gone on to successfully find employment
- Work Redbridge is the first borough to exceed expectations by supporting more people than it expected to be able to through the programme. Congratulations!
Who is UKSPF People and Skills helping?
Charlie*, a young care leaver recently moved to Havering was referred to Havering Works from the Leaving Care Team. Through the UKSPF programme, Havering Works helped him completed his L1 and L2 in bricklaying, and gain his CSCS card. With no relevant work experience, or connections, Havering Works supported Charlie to create a sector-specific CV, they put him in contact with local employers and helped him register for apprenticeships.
This is more than a job
With the support of Havering Works and a local college, Charlie secured an apprenticeship. After a successful work trial, Charlie’s employer decided he was more advanced than an apprentice and offered him a full-time role, subject to him being able to purchase a starter tool kit. The UKSPF grant enabled Havering Works to purchase the required tools and now Charlie is now a full time ‘Bricklaying Improver’. Charlie commented “This is more than a job, this is a career”.
Nina*, an Afghan refugee and now Waltham Forest resident, was supported to attend English language classes and with help from the team at Waltham Forest has secured employment at the Forest Cinema.
I really felt lost until I received the support
She said “The team have been incredibly helpful and I am so grateful for the support I received. I really felt lost until I received the support from Waltham Forest Council and I now feel like I am part of the community.”
*names changed
Find out about UKSPF People and Skills near you:
- Barking and Dagenham – find out more at B&D Works (formerly Job Shop)
- Bexley– find out more at BBE (Bexley Business and Employment)
- Bromley – find out more at Good Work Bromley Exchange at LSEC (London South East College)
- Enfield – find out more at STEPS (Skills Training Employment Pillar)
- Greenwich – find out more at GGLaB (Greenwich Local Labour & Business)
- Havering – find out more at Havering Works
- Newham – find out more at Our Newham Works
- Redbridge – find out more at Work Redbridge
- Waltham Forest – find out more at Waltham Forest Jobs
This programme is supported through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund which is providing £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information, visit UK Shared Prosperity Fund
