Issue - meetings

To receive a presentation for discussion on the impact of COVID on unemployment and employment in London and the borough. To receive an update on the GLA Recovery Plan and how Enfield is working with Local London to address unemployment and skills. In addition, to inform the panel about the newly formed Skills and Education board. 

The scrutiny panel received a presentation including information on the impact in Enfield of the Covid pandemic on skills and training, recovery plans and the Skills and Employment Board.

1.            Presentation

The following points were highlighted by Bob Doyle, Head of Economic Development, on skills and training and the impact of the pandemic:   

·         There had been no major redundancies from major private employers in the borough.

·         The number of working age adults claiming unemployment benefit had increased by 164% between January and August this year.

·         The greatest rise was among people in the 25-49 age group.

·         At the peak of the pandemic, 52,000 people were furloughed.

·         Youth unemployment was projected to rise significantly. 

·         Enfield had a good mix of large employers in a range of sectors that were comparatively resilient, including in food processing, logistics, ecommerce, film and TV production.  These were industries that were likely to expand and would be able to create some highly skilled work.

·         Craft brewing was another growing industry.  Infarm was a new company doing vertical farming.

·         The long-term trend data revealed that the number of unemployed claimants in September was at the highest level it had been for the last 34 years.  Enfield was 9% above the London and UK average.

·         The younger age groups had been hardest hit.

·         However, there were some jobs available, primarily in health, teaching and warehousing but there were also a large number of applicants per job. 

The following points were highlighted by Sarah Cary on recovery plans: 

·         A transition board has been set up co-chaired by the Secretary of State and the Mayor of London. 

·         There is High Street Co-ordination Group focusing on high street issues, offering guidance on winterisation, co-ordinating licensing initiatives, sharing good practice and flagging the need to co-ordinate political and police messages.

·         There was also a London Recovering Board which was looking to the longer term to provide strategic direction to and democratic oversight of London’s recovery work.  They would be fostering collaboration and have set nine mission-based goals. 

·         From this follows a sub-regional partnership made up of seven east London boroughs including Enfield.  They are monitoring the impact on local jobs, residents and businesses.  London was looking worse than the rest of the UK.

·         Enfield was putting in place measures to develop an economy that works for everyone.  They would keep grant programmes running and provide help for new business. 

The following points highlighted by Andy Johnson (Progression and Pathway Manager):

·         The Enfield Skills and Employment Board was being established to provide a forum to allow discussion between local employers, the local authority and other stakeholders on strategic issues. 

·         It is chaired by the Leader of the Council and attended by other cabinet members.  Other members are also being invited to take part including representatives from local employers, colleges, key sectors, the DWP brokerage scheme and Job Centre Plus. 

·         The first meeting took place on 23 November 2020.

·         The board will link with existing employment strategies on Meridian Water, Children and Young People,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4