29 October 2007 - Minister launches new programme to help 200,000 into work and thousands more with skills training
A new European Social Fund (ESF) programme for England backed by £2 billion from the European Union, was launched today by Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, James Plaskitt, and European Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities, Vladimir Spidla.
Launching the ESF programme for 2007-2013, James Plaskitt said:
“Our priority is to help those who face the biggest barriers to work. Over the next seven years the ESF programme will help 200,000 people into jobs, and enable at least 140,000 of the most disadvantaged people make positive progress toward the labour market. It will help 80,000 disadvantaged young people into learning or a job.
“The new programme will invest £2 billion of ESF funding in England over the next 7 years, which will be matched to £2 billion of national funding.”
In England ESF funding will be focused on two main priorities: extending employment opportunities for unemployed and disadvantaged people; and developing a skilled and adaptable workforce with the focus on people with low skills.
Around 160,000 employees will gain basic skills with the help of ESF funding, and 175,000 will gain qualifications. Skills training will target people who are currently least likely to receive training – such as those without level 2 qualifications, and part-time women workers. Programmes will also tackle regional skills needs, and train managers and workers in small firms.
Vladimir Spidla, EU Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities, welcomed the launch of the new programme, saying:
“2007 is a special year for the European Social Fund. Not only are we celebrating its 50th anniversary, but this year also sees the launch of another seven-year period of ESF financial support.” He continued: “Recent EU efforts to boost jobs are showing results. The number of people at work is rising and unemployment is falling. But more needs to be done. The ESF strengthens Europe's capacity to create good jobs and equip workers with the right skills to fill them. But these objectives must be put into practice at the level of the Member States”.
Notes for Editors
The new ESF programme for England and Gibraltar for 2007-2013 was agreed by the European Commission on 9 August 2007
The ESF programme for 2007-2013 was launched at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre, London
The launch included the first showing of a new DVD which features some of the projects that have benefited from ESF funding. Copies of the DVD are available from Press Office. It includes a project which is run by Fifteen Cornwall, the restaurant inspired by Jamie Oliver. The project is transforming the lives of disadvantaged young people by helping them build careers in the catering industry. Participants learn to cook under the guidance of professional chefs. David Meneer, Fifteen Cornwall’s chief executive, and James, one of the trainees, also attended the launch to talk about the work of the project.
Target groups for ESF funding include unemployed people, disabled people, lone parents, older workers, ethnic minorities, low skilled people, and young people not in education, employment or training.
The national ESF website is at www.esf.gov.uk
DWP Press Office: Caroline Calder – 020 3267 5124
Out of hours: 07659 108 883
Website: www.dwp.gov.uk
