Over £½m spent on new jobs

More than 330 North Lanarkshire residents were supported into employment between April and June thanks to the council’s employment services.

Advisers provide advice and practical help on skills and employability to help local people get a job, as well as supporting employers to recruit new staff.

This includes support with a range of issues such as achieving vocational training qualifications or certification, confidence building, interview skills, debt and money advice, help with childcare and in-work support.

During the three-month period this year, 147 young people aged 16-24 and 189 aged 25 and over took up new jobs with support from Routes to Work Ltd and the Prospects employment programme.

The local authority also provided over £588,000 to businesses to support these new jobs.

This is part of the council’s commitment to helping residents and businesses recover from the coronavirus pandemic, as set out in its Economic Recovery Plan.

Councillor Allan Graham, convener of the enterprise and growth committee, told the Advertiser: “after reaching a peak in August last year, the number of people claiming benefits in North Lanarkshire has decreased each month.

“Now we’re seeing more job opportunities appearing in industries that were closed during lockdown.

“However, there is evidence of more long-term unemployment and people in insecure or temporary employment, as well as a significant fall in the availability of part-time work.

“It is clear that here are many people who need additional support into employment across different industry sectors and age groups, and we are working with partner agencies to provide a range of advice and practical assistance for those who need it.”