Future Jobs Fund puts 8,000 into work
AN initiative by Greater Manchester councils to cut youth unemployment has put 8,000 people into work.
The Association of Greater Manchester Authorities (AGMA) said its 16-month Future Jobs Fund (FJF) programme had helped cut long-term unemployment among 18 to 24-year-olds by 40%.
The scheme, which started in November 2009, saw the 10 AGMA councils work with Jobcentre Plus and partners such as Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive (GMPTE), Greater Manchester Police, and the NHS to take on people who have been claiming unemployment benefit for more than six months.
As well as a full-time job each FJF employee is given support and training to improve their future employment prospects.
Lord Peter Smith, chair of AGMA said: “When the last Government asked local government to rise to the challenge of creating opportunities for young people, some doubted we would deliver. In Greater Manchester we certainly have.
“Can I congratulate each of the young people who has got a job through Future Jobs Fund. I would also like to thank everyone who has worked so hard to create the 8,000 opportunities we were able to offer.
“Today, in a new and more challenging funding climate and with FJF now closed, it is vital that we redouble our efforts to find new ways of reconnecting people with jobs.”
Mike Emmerich, chief executive of AGMA’s strategy arm the New Economy said: “The FJF jobs, which have been hosted by some of Greater Manchester’s biggest employers, have provided a great first step in what I hope will be a successful future career for thousands of our young people.”
