The initiative aims to support business growth and help unemployed residents find new careers.  In partnership with Merton, Sutton and Croydon Councils, with Wandsworth acting as the regional coordinator. Spreading the net across four boroughs means businesses have a greater pool of talent to choose from and candidates benefit from a broader selection of opportunities. 
 
Before they can be accepted onto the database every applicant must complete the ‘Personal Best’ employability training scheme.  This eight-week programme ensures only well prepared and committed individuals are put forward for interviews.
 
Employers that sign up to the scheme can alert the support team as soon as new vacancies arise.  Trained recruitment advisors will then identify a shortlist of the most suitable and well-prepared candidates to ensure staffing needs are met quickly and effectively.
 
Residents who secure a new job through the scheme will be offered on-going support to ensure they overcome any early challenges and find their feet in the workplace.
 
Wandsworth Council’s business spokesman Cllr Ravi Govindia said: 
“This project offers local employers free access to the motivated candidates they need to grow and expand.  This will be an extremely valuable resource to the borough’s many small businesses which cannot afford to use private recruitment firms and can struggle to find high quality new staff.
 
“Local authorities like Wandsworth understand the needs of small business and the challenges facing our residents.  We are always looking for new ways to use our local knowledge to help get more people off benefits and back into work.”
 
Last month the council presented a paper to Chancellor George Osborne spelling out plans for tackling long-term unemployment.  The document calls for local authorities to have greater control over services currently delivered through the Department for Work and Pensions.  The council argues that centrally managed schemes are too remote and result is many local people missing out on the help they need to get back into work.

Residents and employers can apply to join the scheme by calling 020 8871 6443 or email employment@wandsworth.gov.uk

 

September 2, 2010