Businesses across North Yorkshire and York are being urged to help boost the local economy and support residents back into employment by offering fully funded work placements.
North Yorkshire Council is encouraging employers to take part in a scheme that offers three-month placements for people who have been out of work, helping them regain confidence, develop skills and explore new career paths.
The council is overseeing the initiative on behalf of the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, which has provided the funding as part of a wider drive to increase employment and reduce economic inactivity.
The programme is aimed at supporting people who may have been out of the workplace due to long-term sickness, disability, physical or mental ill health, or caring responsibilities.
Known locally as the Learn, Earn, Apply, Progress (LEAP) programme, the scheme gives businesses the opportunity to offer a part-time role of at least 16 hours per week for a minimum of three months. Roles are paid at the national minimum wage.
Employers taking part receive a grant to fully cover wages and employer National Insurance contributions, meaning they can provide high-quality, entry-level work experience at no additional cost. In return, businesses benefit from the skills, experience and potential of individuals keen to return to work.
The initiative forms part of the Government’s Get Britain Working Trailblazer programme, which aims to reduce economic inactivity and support people into good jobs, volunteering and training opportunities.
North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for health and adult services, Cllr Michael Harrison, said: “North Yorkshire is home to a wealth of untapped talent, including people with skills, potential and ambition who, for a variety of reasons, have found themselves out of the jobs market.
“The Trailblazer programme is designed to change that. Everyone deserves a fair chance to flourish, and this is a fantastic opportunity for businesses to diversify their workforce, support their communities and help local people develop valuable skills through meaningful, mentored experience.”
Cllr Mark Crane, the council’s executive member for open to business, added: “Through a series of targeted projects, the Trailblazer scheme aims to remove barriers, connect people with opportunities and help employers build stronger, more inclusive workforces.”
The York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority is one of just eight areas selected nationally to lead a Get Britain Working Economic Inactivity Trailblazer. A £10 million programme has been developed over 12 months to build on existing work across the region.
David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, said: “We’re tackling the barriers that hold people back from the quality jobs they deserve by giving our businesses the tools to create more supportive, inclusive workplaces.
“That’s why I’m proud we’re funding this initiative, which will help people who have been out of work take the leap back into employment while strengthening our local economy.”
In its first year, the Trailblazer programme aims to support 1,500 jobseekers, help 500 people already in work and engage with 150 businesses.
The wage subsidy offer is available to North Yorkshire residents aged 18 and over who are currently economically inactive. Employers with premises in York and North Yorkshire are eligible, even if their head office is based elsewhere.
More information is available at nyresourcing.co.uk/leap-programme-information-for-employers or by calling 01609 535585.
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