Session 1. The context for the involvement of social landlords in tackling worklessness A profile of worklessness in social housing and an overview of approaches to tackle the issue – Helen Cope

Worklessness in social housing: overview Action seminar 24 th September 2008 Presentation by Helen Cope

Overview 1.Worklessness and social housing 2.Policy and expectations 3.Roles of social landlords 4.Effective approaches

Workless households Characterised by multiple disadvantages: –Low skills - one third of workless households have no people with any qualification –Half of all adults living in workless households have some form of long-term disability –Over 60% of workless households have been workless for more than three years –Over one third of workless households have children and caring responsibilities –Problems with transport

People from minority ethnic communities are over-represented in workless households.

Worklessness and social housing One third of workless households are in social housing Worklessness rate is double national average 80% of new housing association tenants aged are without work.

THE EMERGING DEBATE Social housing causes dependency OR Social housing offers a secure base from which to find work.

Housing reform agenda-expectations Encourage economic independence and social mobility Match responsibility with opportunity Landlords to help people to realise their potential Emphasis on linking housing and employment issues Regeneration agenda to tackle economic challenges

Policy developments National employment policy –Mixed economy of provision –The flexible New Deal –Jobcentre Plus –Local Employment Partnerships The skills agenda - a changing landscape Regulatory reform

The local authority strategic enabling role is central Key strategic partnerships - LAAs Housing and employment partnerships City strategies Working Neighbourhoods Fund Enhanced housing options

Roles for social landlords Level 1: Information and knowledge sharing Level 2: Signposting and advising Level 3: Delivering services

Level 1: Information and knowledge sharing Examples Use of newsletters and mailings to inform residents Employment information in settling in packs Information sharing (subject to data protection)

Level 2: Signposting and advising Examples Signposting and referring residents to existing mainstream and local initiatives Housing and employment advice linking up Supporting resident engagement in getting into work

Level 3: Delivering services Key approaches Either doing it as a contractor/sub-contractor to mainstream programmes Or developing own initiatives Modes of delivery Facilitator – getting others to do it Working in partnership with others Doing it directly as leader/ initiator Main types of initiative Tackling worklessness through front-line services Skills development Employment Enterprise

Effective approaches Consider the influencing factors Adopt a strategic approach Use power of procurement Use role as an employer Engage and involve residents Work in partnership Seek sustainability

Working in partnership With: Other social landlords Jobcentre Plus and prime contractors LSC and training providers Business Third sector