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Consultation on the European Social Fund in England and Gibraltar 2007 - 2013. The London ESF Programme. Presentation Overview. The London Context Addressing ESF priorities in the capital The London Skills and Employment Board Next Steps. The London Context.
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Consultation on the European Social Fund in England and Gibraltar 2007 - 2013 The London ESF Programme
Presentation Overview • The London Context • Addressing ESF priorities in the capital • The London Skills and Employment Board • Next Steps
The London Context • A highly successful economy, generates 18% of UK total output and productivity 20% higher than UK: However • London has higher rate of worklessness than rest of UK (31% of working age population not in employment) • Highest unemployment rate in UK • 19% of London’s adult population have major problems with literacy and numeracy • Number of employers reporting skills shortages has increased significantly from 49% in 2004 to 61% in 2005
Addressing Priority Axis 1 in London Extending employment opportunities • Reducing the levels of worklessness in the capital • Focus on initiatives that tackle barriers to employment • Supporting key disadvantaged groups • Address impacts of concentrations of disadvantage, and of multiple disadvantage
Addressing Priority Axis – 2 in London Developing a skilled and adaptable workforce • Tackling the growing skills gap • Up-skilling the workforce • Clear focus on employer demand for skills • Increasing supply of higher skills, whilst also maintaining the supply of skills at lower levels.
Mayor’s London Skills and Employment Board (LSEB) • Chaired by the Mayor, with the vice chair being a major London Employer • To draw up regional strategy for skills (and employment?) • Can build on other skills/employment initiatives eg LEST, City Pilots • Influence on London LSC adult spending programme
Management Arrangements for London ESF • Plans are subject to agreement by Government and EU. • Powers Review White Paper made clear that Mayor should play leading role in regional ESF input, responding to strong views from London stakeholders • Mayor will work in partnership with LSEB, the CFOs, VCS etc • Coordinate with ERDF Strategy (expected to be led by Mayor supported by LDA), and with EDS • DWP will ensure regional ESF strategy complies with national Strategy, and keep overview/financial accountability • Expect GOL continued role in monitoring CFO Plans and auditing programme expenditure
Next Steps • Consultation on ESF National Operational programme 2007-13 underway • Following successful partnership on response to NSRF, London partners drafting joint response to national Programme, coordinated by GLE • Sign off on national programme planned for summer 2007 • Timescales will be tight given EU timetable inflexible
Henry Abraham Head of Economic Development and Transport henry.abraham@london.gov.uk