London Funders Children and Young People network November 2016

Research: No Country for Young Women Survey of 4,000 young people (2,000 young men, 2,00 young women) Financial problems- especially for parents (8% of parents had had to sue a foodbank- 4 times the rate for non-parents) Job security- almost 40% are worried that there job is not secure

Research: No Country for Young Women Significant numbers worried about mental and physical health Especially tough if you’re from an ethnic minority or from lower socio-economic groups (e.g. 40% of young people from BAME groups Job security 44%.43%) and 40%

Research: Economic Inactivity Roughly 430k each NEET Headlines focus on unemployment (aged 16-24) 203k men, 143k women 200k men EI, 290k YW Half way through 2 year project to find out what happens to these young women. We have spoken to policymakers and service providers in 5 case study areas (Kent, Birmingham, Greater Manchester, Hull and Norwich) The research showed that caring for family members is the main reason women give for being economically inactive. Mothers in particular struggle to re-enter the workplace due to a lack of affordable childcare at the right times of day and the expectation of families and communities that a “good mother” stays at home with her children. A lack of regular and affordable transport also prevents women finding jobs, especially in rural areas. We found that local employment initiatives – which help young women in some areas overcome these challenges – fear for their future as European Social Fund money is at risk of being taken away. These young women EI receive very little support as they are not claiming Jobseekers allowance and therefore not seen as a priority to get back into work despite a third saying they want to work immediately and almost all saying they expect to work at some point in the future) Year 2 of the project will engage with more young women to understand more about their experiences both directly and through analysis of the longitudinal datasets (Understanding Society) but already we feel there is enough evidence to recommend increasing the support and mentoring to help ease young women’s transition back into the world of work, increasing access to affordable childcare, improving mental health provision and more careers advice and guidance. Young Women’s Trust is also calling for a new Minister for Young People to oversee progress.

Campaigns: Apprenticeships Focus groups in Birmingham and Manchester Polled 1,269 young people Paid less Less training Less employment Co-creation event-young women, employers, government officials Published report Created pledge for employers Planning round tables to share good practice Building stakeholder engagement and influencing Since 2010 women apprentices have outnumbered men In 2014/15 264,750 female and 235,140 men Gender segregation persisting 94% childcare apprentices are women and under 4% do engineering apprentices (was 4.6% in 2002 and 3.8% in 2014); 74:1 in plumbing; 56:1 in construction (men:women) Women apprentices work in fewer sectors 1. Postive action to increase diversity in apprenticeships – set targets, reserve places on training course, change job adverts 2. Greater emphasis on the collection and publication of data relating to apprenticeships. Need numbers, completion rates and destinations by age gender, ethnicity disability apprenticeship level and role 3. Increase pay and support - work towards single Living Wage 4. Greater availability of part-time and flexible apprenticeships - guidance needs to be improved 5. Better advice and support for apprentices before, during and after apprenticeships

Direct services: Work it Out Work it Out’ is our unique employability coaching service: One to one employment coaching for up to 6 sessions, over 6 months, with a qualified coach What makes this service different: Unique because it is provided remotely, over the phone at a time that suits the young woman. Innovative because it is holistic, providing practical support to help a young woman find work, whilst also addressing issues of confidence and self-esteem. The impact on young women’s lives: 93% found it helpful and 91% said they would use the service again. 70% felt more confident, 64% felt more motivated and 45% felt more able to cope. 65% made changes to their behaviour, 56% felt more able to recognise their skills. 69% from our pilot reported moving into work. Value for money: this package of support costs £327 per young woman. We address the needs of young women through a package of complimentary services centred around our employment coaching service. The coaching service is unique because it is provided remotely by a qualified coach, over the phone, at a time that suits the young woman, making it as accessible and flexible as possible for those who struggle to attend face to face appointments. It is innovative because it is holistic. The coach helps the young woman take practical steps to find work, such as broadening her job search and preparing for an interview; whilst also helping her to build her self-esteem, identify her strengths and broaden her aspirations. This is particularly important for young women, who report that confidence is often a key barrier to them finding work. Unlike other employment support services or helplines for young people, our coaches provide personalised support over six months at a pace that suits the young woman. This provides her with someone she can rely on to help her take the next step in her work life. Highlight three of the stats. Explain the cost per beneficiary – we have just launched a 5 year expansion strategy to triple the number of young women we reach from 500 – 1,500 and to increase our geographical reach – although the majority of beneficiaries are from London.