Council to back new employment scheme
CAERPHILLY council has confirmed its involvement in a scheme aimed at supporting the underemployed and those with working with disabilities.
Nurture, Equip and Thrive (NET) is a European Social Fund operation aimed at addressing underemployment in south east Wales.
The five-year scheme will involve five regional authorities: Caerphilly, Torfaen, Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend and Merthyr Tydfil.
Cabinet members met to approve the scheme on Wednesday.
NET will focus on helping underemployed participants in search of increased hours and permanent contracts, with support also available for those working with limiting health conditions or who are looking to return to work after a period of absence.
A council report says: “Through a collaborative approach, NET aims to engage, support and prepare employed individuals with work limiting health conditions and/or other barriers to gain sustainable employment.
“The aim will be to ensure the widest possible participation of under-represented groups and communities to improve their labour market situation and/or health.
“The operation will support participants to remove barriers such as by providing advice regarding childcare and transport solutions, and to thrive in the labour market.”
Caerphilly council will support 266 underemployed individuals, and 60 employed and selfemployed participants with worklimiting health conditions, during the scheme’s lifetime.
The authority has also targeted to improve the prospects of 40 per cent of people within each group. Three full-time case workers will be employed in Caerphilly to provide mentoring, coaching and careers advice to those taking part in NET.
The report says: “This operation in Caerphilly will work closely with the rents department of Housing as a means of referral.
“There is projected to be no additional cash cost to Caerphilly.”
NET will be managed alongside three other European schemes operating in Caerphilly - Bridges into Work 2, Working Skills for Adults 2 and Inspire 2 Work.