Councillor Johnson Situ, cabinet member for business, employment and culture, to introduce the item and give an update on the local economy.
Southwark Apprentices Programme – young apprentices talk through their experience
A Living Wage: Emma Kosmin, Programme Manager at the Living Wage Foundation
Minutes:
Councillor Johnson Situ, cabinet member for business, employment and culture, introduced the item and gave an overview on businesses and the local economy.
He explained that in 2014 a commitment was made to support 5,000 residents into employment. So far more than 3,303 had been supported into jobs across the borough. Many roles had been created out of Section 106 investment.
The council was also focused on apprenticeships and had supported more than 800 apprenticeships. Employers were asked to commit to the London Living Wage and a one year placement as part of the apprentices programme.
Since 2010, there had been a rise in employment in the borough from 66% to 78% in 2016. That meant about 42,000 more jobs in the borough compared to 2010.
The economic wellbeing strategy would be refreshed in the months ahead to set up the borough for the challenges that were ahead for Southwark.
Southwark Apprentices Programme
Frankie, a Southwark apprentice outlined her experience. She had started in the corporate programme’s team in 2014, had worked on a range of projects and got interested in project management. Earlier this year, she had completed the Prince 2 qualification and had received a lot of positive support as an apprentice.
Jasdale, a former Southwark apprentice, explained that he had joined as a customer service apprentice in 2013 in the housing repairs section. He explained he used to be shy but following extensive training he had developed his skills and was offered a job with the council. Jasdale said that joining with other apprentices as part of a group gave all that group a network and support base and he still regularly met up with other people who joined the apprentices programme with him in 2013. He now worked in the Chief Executive’s office as part of the local economy team.
A Living Wage
Emma Kosmin, programme manager at the Living Wage Foundation gave a presentation.
· The Living Wage Foundation is at the heart of a movement of organisations, businesses and people who believe a fair day’s work deserves a fair day’s pay
· The living wage is based on what employees need to make ends meet
· Employers voluntarily choose to pay it
· A separate rate for London reflects the higher costs of living in London
· It recognises that under-25s face the same living cost pressures as everyone else.
In Southwark, there were nearly one hundred accredited living wage employers. The plan was to keep adding to the list.