Annual performance spotlights
Connect outcome - Our economy
Thriving business, fair jobs and vibrant town centres
What communities told us:
- People need to be able to access training and skills to help them get into a job or to progress in their employment.
- Transport links can be a problem for employment, particularly in rural areas.
- Support is needed for local small businesses and town centres need help to recover from the pandemic.
What will success look like:
- More people in employment and economically active
- Reduced poverty and household debt
- Increased value of spend with local businesses
- Increased number of living wage employers in South Lanarkshire
Case study:
South Lanarkshire Works continues to deliver a wide range of employability programmes to meet the needs of key priority groups and employers and support South Lanarkshire residents into sustainable employment.
The following is a brief summary of two stories that have been shared by people who have benefitted from the employment programmes.
Supported Employment Team
In the first case study, the resident, ‘A’, saw a social media post raising awareness of the Council’s Supported Employment Team and made a self-referral, as they were keen to move into employment; however, with ADHD and Autism, A was struggling. An initial action plan was developed and with personal support from a key worker in the Supported Employment Team, A began to grow in confidence and set a new goal of employment within the hospitality industry. With the support of her key worker, A attended a Hospitality Academy (a partnership initiative between the Council, Positive Qualities and MacDonald Crutherland House Hotel) which provided a mix of practical work placement along with theoretical knowledge. The key worker enabled A to successfully complete their placement and at the end A was offered employment. A said “I’m glad I was able to get a job from this, my support from my key worker has been great, meeting her every week has really helped me.” The key worker who supported A said, “Seeing A develop and become more confident throughout their journey has been amazing…”
Supporting Families Programme
Resident ‘C’ was referred to the Supporting Families Programme by their child’s nursery. C was unemployed and the main aim was to help them find a job and to assist with debt management. They lacked confidence, self-belief and struggled with their mental health. The barriers and challenges faced by C were addressed over a three-month period after completing an initial Holistic Needs Assessment. An action plan was drawn up and one of the actions was to make referrals to check that C was receiving all the benefits they were entitled to, and to find out what other support was available to them. C had aspirations of training to become a nurse and after some time, and with support, C was ready to apply to college to do a SWAP Nursing course. The course is designed for people who have no or few formal qualifications and have been out of education for three to five years. C was keen to apply and was invited to attend an interview, the following day an unconditional offer was received, and C was absolutely elated. Childcare has been arranged with the Nursery to enable her to attend the course. C said “You've made me more confident; you've helped me believe in myself a lot more, you’re very kind and patient and very understanding towards my ADHD, and I feel so comfortable approaching you with anything. Can't thank you enough and really appreciate you.”
