Different groups who face distinct barriers to work will be provided with targeted support, matched to their needs.
That includes:
- Responding to the growth of long-term unemployment, the ‘Connect to Work’ programme will provide enhanced support to 1,000 residents, focusing on disabled people, those with health conditions and people with complex barriers to employment. That includes one-to-one coaching, training, and job search assistance to help people enter or stay in work.
- Young people from disadvantaged backgrounds will be supported through the Lambeth Made Education, Skills and Employment programme. To date, 63% of young people accessing the programme are of Black origin, 17% care experienced, and 24% have a special educational need or disability.
- A dedicated programme for ‘Care leavers’ – young people aged 16–25 who were previously in local authority care – includes supported internships to help them into work as they transition into independent living.
- Adult learners will continue to receive support, with emerging technology, such as AI, meaning more adults are expected to need skills and employment support to re-train in new fields or upskill within their profession. Community Learning will work with residents at all skills levels to move them closer to work, supporting hundreds of Lambeth residents every year.
The strategy is closely aligned with the London Inclusive Talent Strategy, produced by the GLA and London Councils, and is a key enabling strategy of the London Growth Plan.
The programme builds on achievements and progress in the previous five-year period, including;
- 8,000 adult learners supported by a network of local providers, commissioned by Lambeth Council, which was praised by Ofsted for meeting ‘both the council’s strategic aims and the needs of local residents’.
- 5,000 people have accessed the council’s employment brokering service
- Partnerships with over 150 employers and the voluntary and community sector.
Cllr Marcia Cameron, Cabinet Member for Economic Inclusion, said:
“We’re breaking down barriers to work and opportunity for residents young and old.
“Access to good, well-paid work changes lives, which is why we’re focusing our support on those with the biggest barriers to work and ensuring people from every background are represented in our fastest growing industries.”
The strategy has been shaped by the councils partners and will be delivered closely with them.
Paul Kett, CEO and Vice Chancellor of London South Bank University Group said:
“To ensure local residents can access meaningful opportunities in Lambeth, we need to work alongside communities and across systems.
As an anchor institution in the borough, King’s College London is deeply committed to our neighbourhoods, using our expertise to enhance learning, respond to local skills needs, and contribute to economic growth and innovation, supporting the long-term prosperity of the city.”
