Event

Tackling jobs droughts: Why the UK needs a community jobs fund

This event hosted by UK think tank the Work Foundation explores new research proposing a community jobs fund.

Join the Work Foundation at Lancaster University to explore new research proposing a Community Jobs Fund.

Jobs droughts are a growing challenge for the UK labour market, with some local areas having experienced virtually no employment growth in two decades.

The current youth employment crisis demonstrates the scale of this challenge. Nearly a million young people are outside employment, education or training, while a shortage of starter jobs is making it increasingly difficult for young people to take their first steps into work, particularly in areas where opportunities are already scarce.

While the Government’s Youth Guarantee represents an important step towards tackling youth unemployment, more targeted action is needed. Emerging approaches across Europe demonstrate how publicly funded jobs can support people into employment, while meeting local community needs.

Join the Work Foundation at Lancaster University to explore new research proposing a Community Jobs Fund that could create up to 54,000 paid jobs for young people in areas facing the toughest labour market conditions.

Our authors will examine how lessons from international approaches could help local leaders tackle jobs droughts today, while providing a model for addressing future employment challenges, including long-term unemployment and health-related economic inactivity.

Speakers

Alice Martin – Head of Research, Work Foundation at Lancaster University

George Williams – Research and Policy Analyst, Work Foundation at Lancaster University

Christopher Wood – Senior Analyst, Work Foundation at Lancaster University