The employability team at North Ayrshire Council welcomed Tom Arthur, the Minister for Employment and Investment, to Ardrossan as part of Challenge Poverty Week.
As part of the council’s week long events – shining a light on services delivered to challenge poverty - Mr Arthur was invited to learn more about the services that continue to make a difference to people’s lives.
‘Adequate Incomes’ is one of Challenge Poverty themes and Mr Arthur met with various teams who are supporting individuals to develop skills, confidence and experience to progress from unemployment to employment.
During the visit Mr Arthur caught up with the teams and learned about some of the council’s services, delivering Your Next Move, Working North Ayrshire, including the Parental Employment Hub which provides a range of key worker support, training and access to employment for parents from the key priority family groups. The service aims to prepare and progress parents to sustainable and positive destinations to reduce child poverty across North Ayrshire by increasing income from employment.
Key workers, based in the Parental Employment Hub, engage and support 350 parents each year to address barriers to employment, develop confidence and skills to compete effectively within the labour market. A holistic approach is provided and health, housing, finance, childcare are only some of the key supports put in place. Dedicated key workers provide person centred support for parents to progress to and stay in suitable work, to include flexible working arrangements.
Mr Arthur met with the key workers and some of the parents supported by the initiative.
The Scottish Government recently set out its strategic priorities to continue to improve Scotland’s employability services, to deliver for those facing structural barriers to employment and to work across boundaries in supporting people to access sustainable fair work.
Featured, within this Strategic Plan for Scotland, is a case study highlighting how North Ayrshire has provided flexible working opportunities for parents in the region.
In the case study Stephanie secured a ‘life-changing’ Care at Home Assistant role after being supported by the Health and Social Care Partnership’s Care at Home team. This was as a result of a focus group with parents and the Care at Home team to create a pilot initiative introducing flexible working hours, enabling parents to secure employment from 10am to 2pm. Stephanie was referred to Your Next Move, Working North Ayrshire by her health visitor and working with her key worker, she was successful in securing one of these positions.
Cabinet Member for Green Environment and Economy said:
“It’s so inspiring to hear and meet some of the people they have positively impacted and they should all be very proud of the work they are carrying out.
“I would encourage parents who would like to get on the job ladder to get in touch – as it could help change their lives.”
The Minister also met with parents to hear more about the support offered. North Ayrshire parent, Cheryl shared her experience on the Skills for Life Classroom Assistant programme and is now enjoying a new role. Her new position means term time working and being there for the school run.
Tom Arthur, Employment Minister said:
“Places like the Parental Employment Hub are so important. They enable parents to increase their income by supporting them into work and then help them progress in their careers. Services like this are in place in every local authority area and tailor assistance to the needs of individuals and communities.”
To access any of the opportunities delivered by Your Next Move, Working North Ayrshire email the Employability team.
You can also find out how Your Next Move, Working North Ayrshire can help you with things like CVs, application forms, Modern Apprenticeships, paid work experience, interview techniques and help to secure employment.