Smart use of public spending must support those furthest from labour market
22.04.2009
ERSA (the Employment Related Services Association) today urged all parts of Government to ensure they take every opportunity to support those furthest from the labour market through their core expenditure.
Amanda McIntyre, Director, ERSA said:
“The extra funding for Jobcentre Plus and Flexible New Deal is essential, given the rising numbers of unemployed people.
“With public funds stretched and unemployment rising, each part of Government must grasp the the opportunities within its own core expenditure to support those furthest from the labour market.
“The Budget includes good examples of how this can be done, through funding for councils and others to create socially useful or green jobs, the increase in care sector apprenticeships and the requirement for a quarter of all public sector recruitment to be open to the long term unemployed.
“ These measures should be part of a concerted drive across Government to maximise the economic and social return on all public spending.”