Jobcentre Plus - Revised Service Hours

As part of the measures to deliver the services customers need, Jobcentre Plus introduced Revised Service Hours on 1 November 2010.

Large and Medium sized Jobcentres are now open from 08.30 to 09.00 offering an “appointments only” service, then opening from 09.00 for fullservice through to 17.00.

Small Jobcentres continue to open from 09.00-17.00 for full service.

All Jobcentres also have the flexibility to offer appointments to specific customers from 17.00-18.00 subject to local business need.

The Jobcentres that are open in Edinburgh, Lothian and Borders District from 08.30 to 09.00 for “appointments only” are:
• Musselburgh
• Bathgate
• Livingston
• High Riggs/Edinburgh City and Leith
• Wester Hailes currently opens from 8.30am Mon, Tue, Thu Fri and remains unchanged.

Latest unemployment and Jobcentre vacancy figures released

The latest unemployment and Jobcentre vacancy figures are out today for West Lothian (Job Seekers Allowance (JSA) based figures). For the second month, West Lothian’s unemployment rate continues to be lower than the Scottish average; a rate not experienced for two years.

• The number of JSA jobless in West Lothian for November is 4,173. This is a decrease of 72 on the previous month.
• West Lothian's unemployment rate of 3.7% is just under the Scottish (3.8%) rate; although above the Great Britain (3.5%) rate. West Lothian's unemployment rate ranks 11th highest out of all Scottish local authority areas.
• Youth unemployment (18-24 year olds) in West Lothian for November is 1,200. This is a decrease of 115 on the last month.
• There were 807 notified Jobcentre vacancies in November - a net decrease of 833 from October 2010.
• The ratio of jobseekers to jobcentre vacancies stands at 5 jobseekers for every vacancy advertised in West Lothian jobcentres. In comparison, Scotland's ratio is 5.9:1, Great Britain is 3.8:1 with East Ayrshire having the highest ratio of 19.3:1 (19 jobseekers for every vacancy) of claimants to vacancies of Scottish local authorities.

Latest unemployment and Jobcentre vacancy figures published

The latest unemployment and Jobcentre vacancy figures are out today for West Lothian (Job Seekers Allowance (JSA) based figures). There is some encouraging news with West Lothian’s unemployment rate now lower than the Scottish average for the first time in two years.

• The number of JSA jobless in West Lothian for October is 4,245. This is a decrease of 164 on the previous month.
• Encouragingly, West Lothian's unemployment rate of 3.7% is just under the Scottish (3.8%) rate; although above the Great Britain (3.5%) rate. West Lothian has not experienced a rate lower than the Scottish average since 2008 and the beginning of the economic downturn. West Lothian's unemployment rate ranks 10th highest out of all Scottish local authority areas.
• Youth unemployment (18-24 year olds) in West Lothian for October is 1,315. This is a decrease of 75 on the last month.
• There were 1,640 notified Jobcentre vacancies in October - a net increase of 566 from August 2010 (Jobcentre Vacancy figures are not available for September due to technical issues at ONS).
• The ratio of jobseekers to jobcentre vacancies stands at 3 jobseekers for every vacancy advertised in West Lothian jobcentres, which is a good improvement on August’s ratio of 5 jobseekers. This compares well with Scotland's ratio of 3.8:1 and Great Britain’s 2.9:1 – North Ayrshire has the highest ratio of 11.7:1 (12 jobseekers for every vacancy) of claimants to vacancies of Scottish local authorities.

Scottish Strategy for Skills Updated

A new strategy designed to make it easier for businesses and individuals to access advice and support on skills has recently been launched. The Scottish Government has refreshed the Skills for Scotland Strategy, which aims to simplify the skills system, empower individuals and employers to access help and support more effectively and better meet the needs of the key economic sectors and industries of the future.

Building on the 2007 skills strategy, it takes into account the changed economic climate and the new challenges facing businesses looking to support sustainable employment.

Learn more about the Strategy

New Housing Association Training Academy Launched

Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has launched Glasgow Housing Association’s latest campaign to deliver excellent customer service. The Health Minister visited GHA’s new Training Academy to see work take shape on the new facility, where staff will be trained in a number of areas.

The GHA Academy aims to provide a range of learning opportunities, management and staff development courses and skills training. This will include hands-on training for frontline staff, such as housing officers and concierge, so they can deliver higher standards of customer service excellence. Some of the academy’s programmes will even lead to nationally recognised qualifications.

Read more on this story.

Latest unemployment figures published

The latest unemployment figures show a fall in JSA unemployment across all local areas in Scotland. This is a not unexpected seasonal change as employers in retail and other sectors recruit at this time of year. However, rate of decrease in Scotland over the last month is much higher than other parts of the UK.

• The number of JSA jobless in West Lothian for September is 4,409. This is a decrease of 432 on the previous month.
• West Lothian's unemployment rate of 3.9% is higher than both the Scottish (3.8%) and Great Britain (3.5%) rates.
• West Lothian's unemployment rate ranks 13th highest out of all Scottish local authority areas - down from 10th in August.
• Youth unemployment (18-24 year olds) in West Lothian for September is 1,390 - a reduction of 190 on the August figure.
• Jobcentre vacancy figures have not been released yet for September due to technical issues at ONS.

Latest unemployment and Jobcentre vacancy figures released

The latest unemployment and Jobcentre vacancy figures are out today for West Lothian (Job Seekers Allowance (JSA) based figures).

• The number of JSA jobless in West Lothian for August is 4,841. This is an increase of 4 on the previous month.
• West Lothian's unemployment rate of 4.3% is higher than both the Scottish (4.1%) and Great Britain (3.6%) rates. West Lothian's unemployment rate ranks 10th highest out of all Scottish local authority areas.
• Youth unemployment (18-24 year olds) in West Lothian for August is 1,580. This is a small increase of 5 on the last month.
• There were 1,074 notified Jobcentre vacancies in August - a net increase of 331 from July 2010.
• The ratio of jobseekers to jobcentre vacancies stands at 5 jobseekers for every vacancy advertised in West Lothian jobcentres, which is a good improvement on last month's ratio of 7 jobseekers. In comparison, Scotland's ratio is 4.8:1, Great Britain is 3.6:1 with East Renfrewshire having the highest ratio of 13.9:1 (14 jobseekers for every vacancy) of claimants to vacancies of Scottish local authorities.

Flexible Training Opportunities

Flexible Training Opportunities gives businesses with under 50 employees the opportunity to apply for up to £5,000 towards employee training costs.

Launched by Skills Development Scotland (SDS) and supported by the European Social Fund, it aims to help small businesses become more resilient and to boost productivity and success. Funding is available for up to 10 employees per business and the money is not a loan so there's no need to pay it back.

SDS will refund up to 50% of each episode of employee training up to a maximum of £500 per employee. It effectively means you can double your training investment. Or it might help you introduce some training when you thought it wouldn't be possible.

The application process is simple and the rewards can really make a difference. Many businesses have already taken advantage of the offer. For advice on how to apply, companies should call free on 0800 783 6000.

Conference aims to create brighter future

Inspiring local business leaders to help create a brighter future for our upcoming workforce is the main aim of the West Lothian Economic Conference 2010.

Tackling youth unemployment will be the theme of this year's annual economic conference, which takes place on Tuesday, 14 September, 2010 at Howden Park Centre in Livingston.

Entitled 'Harnessing West Lothian's Talent ? Creating Real Employment Opportunities', the free conference has been organised by the West Lothian Economic Partnership, and aims to show that West Lothian's young and growing population are its biggest asset for employers.

The increase in unemployment caused by the recession is having a greater impact on young people, and the conference aims to inspire local organisations to get involved in national and local employment initiatives to support the future workforce by highlighting instances of best practice.
Drawing on their own organisation's experiences, speakers will show how public and private sector collaboration can achieve real results.

West Lothian Council's Executive councillor development and transport, Martyn Day, said: "Youth unemployment is a major waste of the talent and enthusiasm that young people can bring to our economy.

"The challenge is to ensure that we are encouraging them to contribute by providing links to opportunities in the job market."

The new West Lothian Working Together employer engagement service will be launched at the conference.

Under this new joint initiative, local employment services have come together to co-ordinate a single, simple source of support to help West Lothian employers make the most of the employment support initiatives that are available.

Register for this free event to discuss West Lothian's future workforce by calling 01506 777938 or by emailing brenda.cumming@wlchamber.com

Nisa to create 100 jobs in Livingston

One hundred new jobs are to be created in Livingston with the opening of a distribution depot.

Nisa-Today's is to create the posts at its 195,000 square feet distribution depot, set to open at Deans Industrial Estate in November.

Council bring in more apprentices

A new batch of apprentices has joined the ranks at West Lothian Council.

This year's intake of 17 newcomers will be spread across the council's Housing and Building Services, Neighbourhood Environmental teams and Land Services, and Operational Services.

The budding new trades people consist of: two horticulture apprentices, four roads apprentices, three electricians, three joiners, one bricklayer, two painters and two roofers. The new batch will take the total number of apprentices working for the council to 82.

Frank Anderson, Executive Councillor for Services for the Community, added: "West Lothian Council has a strong tradition of providing career opportunities to local people, through the apprenticeship programme.

"An investment in our apprentices, is an investment for the future. We will always need skilled trades people and we're delighted to have the next generation on board.

"Our skilled trades people will help ensure that the new apprentices develop strong, practical on the job training combined with theory practice."

Volunteers wanted for young people mentoring programme

Voluntary Sector Gateway West Lothian, in partnership with West Lothian Council's 'More Choices, More Chances' team, is running a year long pilot mentoring project for 14 to 19 year olds.

The young people are recognised as under-achieving at school or, in the case of the 16 to 19 age group, having difficulty in finding employment.

The pilot will provide trained volunteer mentors to work with individuals for at least two hours a week.

Two schools taking part in the pilot are Bathgate Academy and Broxburn Academy.

Volunteer mentors will receive training and support throughout the pilot year. Training will take place at the Voluntary Sector Gateway in Bathgate from 6pm to 9pm on Tuesday 14, and Thursday 16 September.

Soon after training is completed, volunteer mentors will be matched to a young person who will have read their profile and asked to meet with them.

Anyone interested in becoming involved, should contact Maureen Mancini or or James Penman on 01506-650111 or Email maureen.mancini@vsgwl.org

Boost for jobs as Scottish bosses bullish on recruiting

MORE than half of Scottish businesses expect to recruit more staff over the coming year, according to a report out today, delivering a timely boost just days after two of the country's biggest employers announced swingeing job cuts.

Research by Clydesdale and Yorkshire Banks found that 56 per cent of Scottish firms plan to increase their workforce over the next 12 months, with a third looking to take on more staff at managerial level.

Wetherspoon looks to the younger generation as it takes on teenagers

One of Britain's biggest pubs groups with a strong Scottish presence is to create 1,000 jobs for 16- and 17-year-olds in the face of a testing market for school-leavers.

JD Wetherspoon, which has nearly 800 pubs in the UK including about 40 in Scotland, said the current tough employment environment for young people, including many teenagers struggling to get university places, was "at the forefront of our minds" in launching the initiative.The company said the 16- and 17-year-olds would be employed both "front of house" and in the kitchens, delivering food and coffees to customers, tidying up and generally helping with the smooth running of outlets. However, they will not serve alcoholic drinks as that is prohibited by law.

Harnessing West Lothian’s Talent – Creating Real Employment Opportunities

West Lothian Economic Partnership is pleased to announce details of the programme and speakers for its annual Economic Conference 2010.

Tuesday 14 September, 1700 hrs for 1730
Howden Park Centre in Livingston

To see the full programme follow this link http://www.westlothian.com/media/docs/pdf/conference2009

One of West Lothian’s biggest assets for employers is its young and growing
population. This year’s conference aims to inspire local organisations to get involved in national and local employment initiatives to support our future workforce by highlighting instances of best practice.

Drawing on their own organisation’s experiences, our speakers will show how public and private sector collaboration can achieve real results.

REGISTER NOW

Join us on 14 September for this important discussion on West Lothian’s future workforce.

Register for this FREE event now by emailing
westlothianeconomicpartnership@westlothian.gov.uk
or by calling 01506 777938.

There is no charge for attending the conference, which is followed by a light finger buffet and opportunity for business networking.

College gives jobless a chance

Twenty unemployed young people from West Lothian are to be given six months work experience and training by Oatridge College, under a project which has attracted funding from the government’s Future Jobs Fund (FJF) and the LEADER rural development initiative.

Interviews to select the first group of ten 18 to 24 year olds are already underway and those chosen will work for four days per week in the on-campus Scottish National Equestrian Centre, the College stables or golf course, on the Oatridge estate, in the animal care department or in administration. They will also have one day per week for formal training, with the aim of making them more prepared for the jobs market.

The FJF will provide £130,000 and LEADER £37,000 towards the total cost of the £174,000, year-long project.

The search is also on for Workforce Development Supervisor who will work with the two groups to provide support and guidance to the individual members.

There are currently 1,645 unemployed 16 -24 year olds in West Lothian and the area generally has a higher jobless rate than the rest of Scotland (4.8% against 4.2%). It is estimated however by Lantra, the sector skills council for the landbased and environmental industries, that Scotland will need 86,000 recruits in the next ten years and even now, there are serious problems filling vacancies.

Adrian Kitchen, director of business and curriculum development at Oatridge, says: “We firmly believe that the young people selected to take up this opportunity for genuine work experience and training will, at the end of the six months, stand a far better chance of finding a permanent job in one of the landbased industries.

“Our objective is to interview each of the individuals identified for us by Job Centre Plus and find people who are a good fit for the range of jobs we have available. It will not only benefit them greatly, but will be of real benefit the local economy as well.”

Latest unemployment and Jobcentre vacancy figures released

The latest unemployment and Jobcentre vacancy figures are out today for West Lothian (Job Seekers Allowance (JSA) based figures). There has been a fair amount of press coverage regarding the figures on long-term youth unemployment. The STUC have presented a report on the increase in 18-24 year olds who have been unemployed for 6 months or more - with West Lothian having the highest rate of increase in Scotland of 120%.

Youth unemployment is a significant challenge in West Lothian the rate of increase figures don't tell the full story. Long term youth unemployment in West Lothian began to increase from January 2009 onwards but appears to have peaked at around 500 by April/May 2010. West Lothian's rate of increase has been greater than Scotland particularly over the last twelve months.

The level of youth unemployment is higher in West Lothian than the Scottish average. Currently have the 7th highest rate of youth unemployment across all Scottish Local Authorities. West Lothian has the third highest rate of long term youth unemployment (behind North Ayrshire and North Lanarkshire).

Other key unemployment details are:

• The number of JSA jobless in West Lothian for July is 4,837. This is a decrease of 7 on the previous month.


• West Lothian's unemployment rate of 4.3% is higher than both the Scottish (4.0%) and Great Britain (3.6%) rates. West Lothian's unemployment rate ranks joint 10th highest with Renfrewshire.


• Youth unemployment (18-24 year olds) in West Lothian for July is 1,575. This is an increase of 60 on the last month.


• There were 743 notified Jobcentre vacancies in July - a net increase of 44 from June 2010.
  The ratio of jobseekers to jobcentre vacancies stands at 7 jobseekers for every vacancy advertised in West Lothian jobcentres. In comparison, Scotland's ratio is 5.8:1, Great Britain is 4.3:1 with West Dunbartonshire having the highest ratio of 16:1 (16 jobseekers for every vacancy) of claimants to vacancies of Scottish local authorities.
  

New record pass rate for Highers

A new record pass rate for Highers, at 74.6%, has been achieved by Scottish students this year whilst the strong record of achievement in Standard Grades has been maintained.

More than 160,000 young people who sat Standard Grades, Highers and other qualifications this school year will receive their exam results by post on August 5. Around 35,000 students also signed up for the MySQA service and received their results via text message or e-mail on August 4.

The Scottish Government has already provided record levels of funding for universities, made additional college places available for the forthcoming year and announced thousands of training and work opportunities as part of a £6.5 million package of support called Step Forward Scotland, for the increased number of young people expected to leave school or college this summer.

Read more here.

New Funding for Youth Groups

Youth projects throughout Scotland have been invited to apply for funding from a £2.5 million pot of cash created from the proceeds of crime. Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill recently announced that a fourth round of funding for youth projects from the CashBack for Communities scheme is now open.


The cash is the first portion of £6.5 million recovered earlier this year from a Russian money launderer with dealings in Scotland, which is now being invested directly back into local communities to provide free diversionary activities for young people. Announcements on use of the remaining funds will be made in coming months.

The scheme, to be administered by YouthLink Scotland, the national youth work agency, has been allocated £2.5 million to distribute over the next two years to local youth projects in the form of grants up to a maximum of £30,000.

Learn more about the scheme

Latest unemployment and Jobcentre vacancy figures released

The latest unemployment and Jobcentre vacancy figures are out today for West Lothian (Job Seekers Allowance (JSA) based figures).

• The number of JSA jobless in West Lothian for June is 4,844. This is a decrease of 109 on the previous month.
• West Lothian's unemployment rate of 4.5% is higher than both the Scottish (4.1%) and Great Britain (3.8%) rates. West Lothian's unemployment rate ranks joint 9th highest with South Lanarkshire.
• Youth unemployment (18-24 year olds) in West Lothian for June is 1,515. This is a decrease of 30 on the last month.
• There were 699 notified Jobcentre vacancies in June - a net decrease of 12 from May 2010.
• The ratio of jobseekers to jobcentre vacancies stands at 7 jobseekers for every vacancy advertised in West Lothian jobcentres. In comparison, Scotland's ratio is 6.3:1, Great Britain is 4.2:1 with West Dunbartonshire having the highest ratio of 16:1 (16 jobseekers for every vacancy) of claimants to vacancies of Scottish local authorities.

Scottish school leaver destination results published

The Scottish Government have recently released the 'FOLLOW UP SURVEY OF LEAVERS FROM SCOTTISH SCHOOLS: LEAVERS FROM SCHOOL YEAR 2008/09. The survey presents national information on the destination status of young people approximately 9 months after they left school, from the 2008/09 school year.

The initial (approximately 3 months after leaving school) destination status of these leavers were published in the “Destinations of Leavers from Scottish Schools: 2008/09” publication on 24 November 2009.

The main findings from the 'Follow up survey of young people from school year 2008/09' shows us that:

• The proportion of school leavers in sustained positive destinations was 85.1% in March 2010, approximately 9 months after leaving school. This compares to 84.0% of school leavers in positive destinations in March 2009.
• The proportion of school leavers in further or higher education rose from 51.0% in March 2009 to 57.5% in March 2010.
• The proportion in employment in March 2010 fell to 22.9% compared to 28.5% in March 2009.
• The proportion unemployed decreased from 15.4% in March 2009 to 14.5% in March 2010.

Read the report here.

Latest unemployment and Jobcentre vacancy figures released

The latest unemployment and Jobcentre vacancy figures are out today for West Lothian (Job Seekers Allowance (JSA) based figures).

• The number of JSA jobless in West Lothian for May is 4,953. This is a decrease of 88 on the previous month.


• West Lothian's unemployment rate of 4.6% is higher than both the Scottish (4.2%) and Great Britain (3.9%) rates. West Lothian's unemployment rate ranks joint 10th highest with South Lanarkshire.


• Youth unemployment (18-24 year olds) in West Lothian for May is 1,545. This is a decrease of 20 on the last month.


• There were 711 notified Jobcentre vacancies in May - a net decrease of 7 from April 2010.


• The ratio of jobseekers to jobcentre vacancies stands at 7 jobseekers for every vacancy advertised in West Lothian jobcentres. In comparison, Scotland's ratio is 5.0:1, Great Britain is 3.8:1 with North Ayrshire having the highest ratio of 12.2:1 (12 jobseekers for every vacancy) of claimants to vacancies of Scottish local authorities.

Skills Development Scotland has refreshed its website

Skills Development Scotland (SDS) has freshened up its website.

The site, which has a new look and feel, makes it easier to see exactly what help is available whether you are an individual, an employer or a learning provider.

The majority of the changes are content related - there are new areas like Knowledge, which is a comprehensive database of labour market information - and all of the key information on SDS services have been brought into one place.

Links to useful tools are also included and the simplified navigation makes it much easier to use the site.

Websites for Learn Direct Scotland, Careers Scotland and ILA Scotland will continue to operate as normal for the time being.

Skills Development Scotland is the new national skills body for Scotland delivering:
Careers Scotland, Get Ready for Work, ILA Scotland, learndirect scotland,
learndirect scotland for business, Modern Apprenticeships, Skillseekers, The Big Plus
and Training for Work.

Welfare to Work - news round from Indus Delta

• Welfare reform bill will create a single welfare-to-work programme and make benefit payments more conditional on willingness to accept work. Read more.
• Pathways to Work is "poor value for money" finds NAO report. An NAO report has branded the Pathways to Work programme as having "limited impact". Read more.
• The UK Government has outlined proposals for radical welfare reform. Read more.
• Reducing the deficit means that no further bids to the Future Jobs Fund (FJF) will be approved. This includes bids that are currently waiting for approval. Read more

UPCOMING EVENTS - Welfare to Work UK Convention, 1-2 July 2010, Liverpool. The 2010 UK Welfare to Work Convention is the largest annual gathering of the welfare-to-work industry - and for all those involved in support and advice to people who are out of work. Follow this link for more details.

£30 million to improve skills

News story describes plans for 30,000 people in Scotland to benefit from work or training opportunities.


http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2010/05/10114059

5,000 new modern apprenticeships

News story describes plans for 5000 new modern apprenticeships.

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2010/06/10120939

Latest unemployment and Jobcentre vacancy figures released

The latest unemployment and Jobcentre vacancy figures are out today for West Lothian (Job Seekers Allowance (JSA) based figures).

• The number of JSA jobless in West Lothian for April is 5,041. This is a decrease of 145 on the previous month.
• West Lothian's unemployment rate of 4.7% is higher than both the Scottish (4.3%) and Great Britain (4.1%) rates. West Lothian's unemployment rate ranks 11th highest.
• Youth unemployment (18-24 year olds) in West Lothian for January is 1,565. This is an decrease of 80 on the last month.
• There were 718 notified Jobcentre vacancies in April - a net decrease of 75 from March 2010.
• The ratio of jobseekers to jobcentre vacancies stands at 7 jobseekers for every vacancy advertised in West Lothian jobcentres. In comparison, Scotland's ratio is 6.1:1, Great Britain is 5.1:1 with North Ayrshire having the highest ratio of 18.6:1 (19 jobseekers for every vacancy) of claimants to vacancies of Scottish local authorities.

16+ E-prospectus launched

Skills Development Scotland (SDS) is working closely with the Scottish Government and Local Authorities to ensure that all training providers offering courses for the 16 plus age group are listed on the NLOD (national learning opportunities database).

The aim is to put in place clear, robust processes for ensuring that all young people completing compulsory schooling have a suitable offer of post-16 learning, with a particular focus on providing more choices and chances for those who need them. The NLOD will ‘power’ the e-prospectus, a web-based portal.

The plan is to have the model in place across Scotland by December 2010. It will include information on the full range of potential ‘offers’ available to 16-19 year olds such as training courses, national programmes and voluntary opportunities throughout Scotland, which can then be narrowed down to the individual’s local area. Part of this initiative includes a West Lothian 16+ e-prospectus which maps all available provision for the 16+ age group.

If you require any further information, for example, specific reports printed, are aware of any other providers or for amendments to the e-prospectus please contact:

Wendy Stuart at mailto:wendy.stuart@westlothian.gov.uk or 01560 777935

Latest unemployment and Jobcentre vacancy figures released

The latest unemployment and Jobcentre vacancy figures are out today for West Lothian (Job Seekers Allowance (JSA) based figures).

• The number of JSA jobless in West Lothian for April is 5,041. This is a decrease of 145 on the previous month.
• West Lothian's unemployment rate of 4.7% is higher than both the Scottish (4.3%) and Great Britain (4.1%) rates.
• West Lothian's unemployment rate ranks 11th highest.
• Youth unemployment (18-24 year olds) in West Lothian for January is 1,565.
• This is an decrease of 80 on the last month.
• There were 718 notified Jobcentre vacancies in April - a net decrease of 75 from March 2010.
• The ratio of jobseekers to jobcentre vacancies stands at 7 jobseekers for every vacancy advertised in West Lothian jobcentres. In comparison, Scotland's ratio is 6.1:1, Great Britain is 5.1:1 with North Ayrshire having the highest ratio of 18.6:1 (19 jobseekers for every vacancy) of claimants to vacancies of Scottish local authorities.

The Big Business Breakfast

Click on the link below to watch highlights of the Big Business Breakfast.

The Big Business Breakfast was set up to celebrate the role of employers giving young people an introduction to the world of work.

http://www.vimeo.com/11232016

Work Experience Newsletter

West Lothian Council have published the spring edition of their Work Experience Newsletter. Click on the link below to read it.

http://www.westlothian.gov.uk/sitecontent/documentlist/educationpublications/workexpnewsletter12010

Latest unemployment and Jobcentre vacancy figures released

The latest unemployment and Jobcentre vacancy figures are out today for West Lothian (Job Seekers Allowance (JSA) based figures).

• The number of JSA jobless in West Lothian for March is 5,186. This is a decrease of 125 on the previous month.
• West Lothian's unemployment rate of 4.8% is higher than both the Scottish (4.5%) and Great Britain (4.2%) rates. West Lothian's unemployment rate ranks 9th highest.
• Youth unemployment (18-24 year olds) in West Lothian for January is 1,645. This is an increase of 35 on the last month.
• There were 793 notified Jobcentre vacancies in March - a net increase of 70 from February 2010.
• The ratio of jobseekers to jobcentre vacancies stands at 7 jobseekers for every vacancy advertised in West Lothian jobcentres. In comparison, Scotland's ratio is 6.7:1, Great Britain is 5.2:1 with North Ayrshire having the highest ratio of 19.9:1 (20 jobseekers for every vacancy) of claimants to vacancies of Scottish local authorities

Where can i find access2employment advisers?

West Lothian Council have published new times and venues for access2employment outreach advisors across West Lothian. For more information click on the link below.


http://www.westlothian.gov.uk/media/downloaddoc/jobs/outreach

BLES Training in the news

News story describes how BLES Training in Bathgate is helping young people into work

http://edinburghnews.scotsman.com/features/Putting-the-pieces-back-together.6175557.jp

West Lothian Council have been helping local young people Get Ready for Work.

Council staff have been helping local young people prepare for the working world.

Chief executive Alex Linkston presented achievement awards recently to the first group of young people to have a completed the council's Get Ready for work programme.

The Get Ready for Work programme provides up to 26 weeks of work experience within a council department. The trainee, normally aged 16 or 17, has a staff member as workplace mentor to help support them in the workplace, so they gain the vocational skills required to be a competent and valuable employee.

Miriam Georgeson, Vocational Training Coordinator, said: ''As the largest employer in West Lothian, the council was keen to add Get Ready for Work to their existing training programmes for the young people.

''Given the current economic downturn, training and employment opportunities for young people are less available than they have been previously.

''Of the 12 young people who have completed the training programme so far, three have secured employment with the council and two have returned to education.

''This is a unique opportunity for the council to become part of the solution for these young people and help them in a very practical way to get on track to compete for jobs or more into training.''

Get Ready for Work trainee Thomas McNee spent six months with the Roads Department and has now secured employment.

He said: ''I am so much better prepared now to get a job than I was a few months ago.''

For more West Lothian Council Services wishing to know more contact Miriam Georgeson 01506 777946 or email miriam.georgeson@westlothian.gov.uk

Environmental scheme is a cut above

A new initiative is helping local young people take a key role in improving their environment and getting new skills for work.

Four West Lothian young people have been working in the woodland area in Fauldhouse near the football pitches, to open up the woodland and make it safer for walkers.

The project has been developed by a partnership group including Community Regeneration, Fauldhouse Community Development Trust and Forestry Commission Scotland, and aims to make a positive difference in the local environment, and give the young people involved new skills to help them find work.

The project will offer 12 unemployed young people a job for six months. They will receive training both on the job and formal classroom based training such as chainsaw use, tree planting and chemical spraying. In addition to gaining skills necessary to assist them in labour market, the young people will also undertake small scale environmental improvements in the Fauldhouse area for the benefit of the local community.

Both West Lothian’s LEADER programme, which provides European funds for rural development projects, and the government’s new Future Jobs Fund, which funds schemes that create new employment opportunities for young people aged from 16 to 25, are financially supporting the project.

Martyn Day, Executive Councillor for Transport and Development, said: “This is very worthwhile initiative, which will both give local young people skills to help them find work and make a real difference to the Fauldhouse area.

“In their first week in their new jobs, the young people learned how to safely use the tools for the job, including bow saws, hand tools, high loppers and chippers, which are essential for anyone looking to work in this field.

“I’m delighted to see so many different organisations come together for a project like this, which will substantially improve both the environment in Fauldhouse and the chances of these young people finding a permanent job.”

The project was identified by the Fauldhouse Community Development Trust, who are managing the young workers, and has been contracted to Living Solutions, a social enterprise company set up to tackle social and environmental problems with expertise in landscaping and woodland maintenance.

Forestry Commission Scotland has been working with Living Solutions to identify other work to be undertaken by the project during the next few months.

Pictured are the four young people involved, left to right, Scott Maxwell, Kevin McKee, Geoff Morris and Michael Morajda.

Kal's employment success story

Kal is a 21 year old young man who has been diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome, which is a condition occurring in the “high functioning” section of the Autistic Spectrum. Although he is well presented and very intelligent Kal had never been able to obtain paid employment. This was, to a large extent, due to his disability, the central features of which include difficulties with communication, social relationships and flexibility of thinking.

In October 2008 Kal was referred to Intowork West Lothian, who had just commenced a new employment–focused service to West Lothian residents with Asperger’s Syndrome or Acquired Brain Injury. Kal worked on a weekly basis with Intowork, learning how to cope with issues arisng from his Autism and acquiring the skills needed to gain sustainable employment. Kal was also keen to enter the world of Higher Education, so a two-pronged strategy was developed. Whilst applying for a large number of jobs - mainly in the retail sector - Kal also applied to West Lothian College to do a full-time HNC in Digital Media. He was accepted for this course and is currently studying hard and enjoying taking part in Higher Education.

Kal was, for a long time, unsuccessful in obtaining paid employment. Although he did get a number of interviews he always fell at the last hurdle, mainly due to his lack of experience and particular difficulties with interviews due to his disability. This did not deter Kal and he put more effort into improving his skills. His efforts were rewarded in October this year when, having been interviewed for a position with Scotmid at the new store in Dedridge, was offered a part-time position.

Kal responded well to his training and is now a key member of staff. He enjoys his job and is always enthusiastic. He says that the training and support he received from the Scotmid management and staff was second to none, and he has fitted in well with the team.

Intowork West Lothian will continue to support Kal in his employment; offering support to his employer and staff on an “as required” basis. Kal is an excellent example and role model to any young person – with or without disability – who is struggling to find employment and is to be congratulated on his fantastic achievements.

Latest unemployment and Jobcentre vacancy figures released

The latest unemployment and Jobcentre vacancy figures for West Lothian (Job Seekers Allowance (JSA) based figures) have been released.

• The number of JSA jobless in West Lothian for February 2010 is 5,311. This is an increase of 94 on the January 2010 figure.
• West Lothian's unemployment rate of 4.9% is higher than both the Scottish (4.5%) and Great Britain (4.3%) rates. These rates are unchanged from the previous month.
• West Lothian's unemployment rate ranks 11th highest out of all Scottish local authority areas, down from 10th in January.
• Youth unemployment (18-24 year olds) in West Lothian for February is 1,610. This is an increase of 10 on the last month.
• There were 723 notified Jobcentre vacancies in February - an increase of 89 from January.
• The ratio of jobseekers to jobcentre vacancies stands at 7 jobseekers for every vacancy advertised in West Lothian jobcentres. In comparison, Scotland's ratio is 6.7:1, Great Britain is 5.7:1 with West Dunbartonshire having the highest ratio of 15.8:1 (Almost 16 jobseekers for every vacancy).

Future Jobs Fund Update

28 people are currently in post across West Lothian as a result of the Future Jobs Fund, with a further 20 about to start new jobs. The jobs include 6 people working in farm and catering positions at Almond Valley Heritage Centre in Livingston; 3 collecting and delivering furniture with Home Aid based in Bathgate; 2 involved in the food coop and development work at the Pitstop in Addiewell; 4 working in forestry initiatives around Fauldhouse and 4 working from the Volunteer Centre in Bathgate.
We are still looking for employers who can create a new job with community benefit for 6 months for a young person aged 18 – 24 for which DWP will contribute £6,500 per job.
Contact Sandra Darling at West Lothian Council on 01506 777944

Latest unemployment and Jobcentre vacancy figures released

The latest unemployment and Jobcentre vacancy figures for West Lothian (Job Seekers Allowance (JSA) based figures) have been released. End of seasonal recruitment is partly reflected in both the drop in notified job vacancies and an increase in the number of jobless between December and January.

• The number of JSA jobless in West Lothian for January is 5,217. This is an increase of 493 on the December 2009 figure.
• West Lothian's unemployment rate of 4.9% is higher than both the Scottish (4.5%) and Great Britain (4.3%) rates.
• West Lothian's unemployment rate ranks joint 10th highest with South Ayrshire out of all Scottish local authority areas.
• Youth unemployment (18-24 year olds) in West Lothian for January is 1,600. This is an increase of 125 on the last month.
• There were 632 notified Jobcentre vacancies in January - a net decrease of 144 from December 2009. The ratio of jobseekers to jobcentre vacancies has increased to 8 jobseekers for every vacancy advertised in West Lothian jobcentres. In comparison, Scotland's ratio is 8.6:1, Great Britain is 7.2:1 with West Dunbartonshire having the highest ratio of 23.4:1 (23 jobseekers for every vacancy) of claimants to vacancies of Scottish local authorities.

New Report – Vocational Qualifications Can Boost Earnings

New research conducted by the University of Sheffield and published by the UK Commission for Employment and Skills finds that vocational qualifications frequently have value in the labour market. However, the differences in the pay increases generated between types and levels of vocational qualifications are considerable, being strongly influenced by the type of qualification and the method by which it is acquired. Read more at: http://www.ukces.org.uk/press-release/new-report-vocational-qualifications-can-boost-earnings

£3m public training portal goes live!

A One-stop website for businesses looking to navigate the maze of public skills, educational and training programmes has been recently launched.

The Talent Map web portal took two and half years to create, costing a total of £3 million. It was developed with the help of Royal Bank of Scotland and BT chairman Sir Mike Rake. It currently pools information from 100 government sites, with more to be added over time.

Scottish skills minister Keith Brown said the portal would mostly help small and medium-sized firms. He added: "Businesses see this as an important tool to bring about the right skills training."

Latest unemployment and Jobcentre vacancy figures released

The latest JSA unemployment figures show a small increase between November and December. With seasonal recruitment tailing off, this is reflected in the drop in notified job vacancies.

• The number of JSA jobless in West Lothian for November is 4,724. This is an increase of 10 on the November 2009 figure.
• West Lothian's unemployment rate of 4.4% is higher than both the Scottish (4.1%) and Great Britain (4.1%) rates. West Lothian's unemployment rate ranks joint 10th highest with Inverclyde out of all Scottish local authority areas.
  Youth unemployment (18-24 year olds) in West Lothian for December is 1,475. This is a decrease of 5 on the last month.
• There were 776 notified Jobcentre vacancies in December - a net decrease of 845 from November 2009 of vacancies.
• Due to the end of seasonal recruitment, the ratio of jobseekers to jobcentre vacancies has increased to 6 jobseekers for every vacancy advertised in West Lothian jobcentres. In comparison, Scotland's ratio is 7.1:1, Great Britain is 5.8:1 with East Dunbartonshire having the highest ratio of 19.1:1 (19 jobseekers for every vacancy) of claimants to vacancies of Scottish local authorities.

JSA based unemployment figures do not provide the full picture. However, the headline JSA figure does help to indicate the latest trend or change at a national or local level and whether the economic down turn is beginning to bite. The Government's favoured method of measuring unemployment - the ILO method does not readily translate into up-to-date local area estimates.

The Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) is payable to people under pensionable age who are available for, and actively seeking, work.

New Modern Apprenticeship Grant

Scottish businesses of all sizes and in all sectors are to be given the opportunity to receive £1,000 to take on a new Apprentice. This is the latest strand of the 'Invest in an Apprentice' scheme. Businesses across Scotland will be offered £1000 to take on a new apprentice.

The £4 million scheme is time limited and will run from January 11 to March 26, reflecting views from employers and companies who say they need help now. The incentive is available for up to 4000 employers.

The scheme is part of ScotAction, an integrated package combining new and improved measures to help individuals and businesses through the recession and will provide skills assistance - including wage subsidies in some circumstances - for training for work, training in work and training from work to work to help Scottish people and businesses survive the downturn and thrive when the economy starts to recover.

£34m ERDF and ESF funding for jobs announced

A European cash injection of more than £34 million will be invested in programmes to develop Scotland's workforce and safeguard and create jobs. New allocations from the European Social Fund (ESF) and European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) that will help 28,000 people to gain or sustain employment opportunities through skills development and support the creation of 193 jobs.

Funding of £16 million will be invested in Community Planning Partnership (CPPS) initiatives to support and prepare people for work in Glasgow, Dundee, East Ayrshire, Fife, Inverclyde, North Ayrshire, North Lanarkshire, Renfrewshire, South Lanarkshire, West Dunbartonshire and West Lothian. This will help more than 23,000 people to find work.

Funding of £18 million will go towards 43 projects in the Highlands and Islands area which will provide more than 5,000 individuals with help and support to enter employment.

Of the funding used to assist CPPS' ongoing work to support employability in their areas, West Lothian will receive £580,000 from the European Social Fund and £48,000 from the European Regional Development Fund.

Latest unemployment and Jobcentre vacancy figures

The latest unemployment and Jobcentre vacancy figures for West Lothian (Job Seekers Allowance (JSA) based figures) show a small decrease between October and November, which may be partly due to seasonal recruitment. In addition, notified job vacancies increased by 70% in the same period again reflecting seasonal recruitment, however, take up of these positions may not show until next month's figures are released.

• The number of JSA jobless in West Lothian for November is 4,714. This is a decrease of 22 on the October 2009 figure.
• West Lothian's unemployment rate of 4.4% is higher than both the Scottish (4.1%) and Great Britain (4.1%) rates. West Lothian's unemployment rate ranks joint 10th highest with Fife and Renfrewshire out of all Scottish local authority areas. (see attached excel sheet).
• Youth unemployment (18-24 year olds) in West Lothian for October is 1,480. This is a decrease of 15 on the last month.
• There were 1,621 notified Jobcentre vacancies in November - a net increase of 671 from October 2009 of vacancies.
• Due to seasonal recruitment, the ratio of jobseekers to jobcentre vacancies has dropped to 3 jobseekers for every vacancy advertised in West Lothian jobcentres. In comparison, Scotland's ratio is 4.6:1, Great Britain is 4.1:1 with West Dunbartonshire and Eilean Siar having the highest ratio of 11.9:1 (12 jobseekers for every vacancy) of claimants to vacancies of Scottish local authorities