Projects Receive European Social Funding (ESF) Support for Disadvantaged Groups

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Thirty-nine regional projects are offering disadvantaged groups across London learning and employment opportunities over the next two years, the London region Learning and Skills Council (LSC) announced last week.

The LSC indicated that the offer is subject to contract. Results of the LSC Pan-London ESF Programme 2 tendering round, it said, are now available following a Moderation Panel that’s made up of key strategic bodies at regional level. The programme is co-financed by the ESF and the LSC.

It is expected to serve as additional cash boost of £32.8 million for projects that would help those in most need within the labour market. These would include those from ethnic minorities, and disabled individuals. It further said that it would enhance progress towards guaranteeing that London’s workforce continues to be competitive.

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Commenting on the initiative, the Regional ESF Manager for the London region LSC, Naomi Logan said: “Having concluded our project selection stage, we now have a range of excellent projects to help make real inroads into tackling worklessness and increasing the number of Level 3 qualifications across London- the key aims for this programme.”

She added that the experience and progress of the first regional ESF would count towards making the initiative a huge success towards improving the lives of people in London. The progress made will encourage selected suppliers to strive to transform their proposals into reality, argues a Team Manager at ECOTEC, the company that manages Pan London 2 programme delivery on behalf of the London region LSC, Andy Hepburn.

He commented further: “This programme will help to address London-wide employment and skills issues, and will improve the prospect of individual beneficiaries and the economic competitiveness of London as a whole.” The 39 projects, it is believed, will complement existing delivery under the LSC Pan London ESF Programme. It took off in January and has so far provided assistance to no fewer than 13, 000 learners through 65 projects.

With unemployment reaching a record level, there’s no better time for the Pan-London programme to take off. Such objectives as the provision of training and support so as to improve the prospects of the unemployed goes a long way in helping the needy ones, while other disadvantaged groups like the disabled and women are not left out. In combating discrimination, it specifically focuses on improving access to learning and employment for women, who are seen as vulnerable, amongst others.

Musa Aliyu

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