Going for Growth: Welfare to work in the wider economic context Differing Labour Market Conditions Bob Leach Managing Director MAXIMUS Employment & Training

Agenda 1.Introduction 2.The elephant in the room 3.How should welfare to work providers adapt to differing labour market conditions? 4.What are the differences in approach given Maximus has both a rural and an urban CPA? 5.Concluding remarks

1. Introduction – MAXIMUS and the Work Programme Prime Contractor Thames Valley, Hampshire and Isle of Wight In Partnership with Avanta Surrey Sussex and Kent South East

MAXIMUS and the Work Programme Prime Contractor West London In Partnership with CDG East London West & East London

THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM! 5

6 Economy? Unemployment?

2. Adaptation to differing labour market conditions Understanding of the economic climate through labour market analysis. For example;  Supply and demand  Growing and declining industries  Demographics  Skills levels Engagement with local and national stakeholders Motivation and attitudinal aspects to consider Tailoring our service to meet local needs in the local conditions: – For example, different labour market approaches to CPAs…

3. Differences between rural and urban CPAs AspectRuralUrban Labour market demand Typically local businesses and SMEs, however national employers migrating to rural landscape seeking efficiencies Align with regeneration projects in key hubs; working with national employers based; recognising high prevalence of SMEs in certain boroughs Employer Engagement Engaging with key employers in new towns such as Reading and Milton Keynes, which house international bases All London primes are working together to provide coherent employment solutions for key employers (i.e. TfL) Supply chainSmaller supply chain with wider geographical spread who understand the needs of rural communities Supply chain that understands London’s diversity and can provide a tailored solution

3. Further differences AspectRuralUrban GeographyUnderstanding time and expenses of gaps in commute/transport and locating sites accordingly Ensuring sites are close to transport hubs so commute time for any customer in max less than an hour CompetitionWider geographical spread therefore less dense Working alongside one other prime only Vast competition for jobs across a small geographical spread Working alongside multiple primes across two adjacent CPAs Economic climate Understanding seasonal jobs and hubs of economic activity Recognising urban climate more is more dynamic, utilising regeneration/growth opportunities

4. Concluding remarks Different approaches are required to address specific labour market issues In all cases, involvement of the local economy and community is integral to successful delivery, regardless of geography Contact information: Bob Leach Managing Director,