A Labour Market Report carried out earlier this year has delivered some positive news for the employment prospects of North Lanarkshire residents and for the future of the area’s economy.

 

Since 1999 jobs growth in North Lanarkshire has exceeded that of Scotland, raising the number of jobs from 111,900 to 125,100 (11.8% growth compared to the Scottish figure of 10.3%).  North Lanarkshire is seen as a popular location for businesses and with more coming to the area additional jobs are being created, providing excellent opportunities for local people.

 

That is just one of the significant pieces of information contained in the Labour Market Report, which focussed on key areas such as employment opportunities, levels of employment, wages and benefit claimants.  The findings show that the council and its partners are, in comparison with the rest of Scotland, fairing well in a number of key areas.

 

Another positive area the report highlighted is changes to the Job Seekers Allowance claimant count.  Over a two year period claimants have fallen by almost 15% which is one of the fastest declines in Scotland.  This means that more people are finding full-time employment and are helping the area’s economy grow.

 

Pay levels in North Lanarkshire have also increased.  The average hourly rate for North Lanarkshire is £9.88, which is below the Scottish average of £10.74, however, year on year this gap continues to narrow and has done so once again since the Winter 2006 Labour Market Report.

 

Councillor Tom Maginnis, Convener of the Regeneration Committee explained, “The information provided by this report is extremely important and will be used in developing our policies and services.

 

“We’re pleased with the progress being made and aim to build on this, however, the council knows that there is still work to be done in helping people find employment and ensuring opportunities are available in the labour market.”

 

In 2006/07 the council’s regeneration service supported 1,100 people into employment in the area.  In addition, almost 750 people were supported through training programmes and courses, while 33 people achieved a formal qualification. 

 

The regeneration service recognises that economic activity remains a key issue in North Lanarkshire and a number of projects are in place to reach those who need assistance in finding a job in a number of areas. 

 

Some of these projects include:-

 

Action Plan Plus gives individuals help and support to try new activities and learn new skills.  This course targets residents in specific areas who are long-term unemployed, on incapacity benefit, are lone parents or parents experiencing other barriers to employment and training.

 

The Working for Families project focuses on disadvantaged parents, particularly lone parents, parents on low incomes and parents who find it difficult to access employment, training and education.  The project helps parents improve their employment opportunities and provides assistance with childcare and other barriers that stand in the way of employment.

 

The Construction Skills project provides training and employment opportunities for 18 to 24-year- old North Lanarkshire residents within the local construction sector.  The project delivers both pre-apprenticeship training and also supported apprenticeships with local companies within the construction sector.  While the project is predominantly aimed at young men, there has also been success in recruiting young women onto the project.

 

“It’s positive that North Lanarkshire is fairing well in terms of employment, wages and increasing opportunities,” added Councillor Maginnis, “and the council will continue to build on these areas to ensure the local economy goes from strength to strength.”

Ends.