Residents who register their interest before the end of August could be on a six month paid work experience scheme with the Council when the next round of placements begin in September.

The Royal Borough of Greenwich's innovative approach to helping out of work residents gain the skills and experience for finding employment is transforming hundreds of lives, and delivering positive life-changing outcomes.

Helping more than 400 residents

In just over four years, more than 400 residents have been supported by the Council's Greenwich Local Labour Programme (GLLP). This is one of a number of employment support programmes delivered by Greenwich Local Labour and Business (GLLaB).

GLLP forms part of the Council's approach to tackling poverty and minimising the impacts associated with Government Welfare and Housing Reforms through an integrated team working across Children Services, Housing and Job Centre Plus.

Seven out of ten participants find work

Since the start of the programme in 2013:

• 71 per cent of participants undertaking six month paid work placements have continued into employment
• 69 per cent of lone parents on the scheme have found further employment
• 71 per cent of participants aged 50 and above have gained employment after completing their placement
• 70 per cent of participants unemployed for ten years or more have gained new jobs.

Offering a range of advice and support

GLLP provides six month paid supported work experience placements paying the London Living Wage to eligible residents. The scheme is unique because of the tailored in-placement support for each participant.

In addition to work-based skills and experience, the scheme offers:

• one-to-one support provided by dedicated Placement Coordinators
• tailored supported job-searching, interview preparation and vocational and skills training
• ring-fenced interviews for scheme participants with employers, negotiated by a job brokerage team
• dedicated childcare support programme assisting participants offering a fully comprehensive advice and brokering service
• part-time shifts compatible with school hours for the 42 per cent of participants who are lone parents.
• working with partners to provide additional support, for instance around debt, mental health and domestic violence
• access to new jobs being generated through regeneration and growth

Delivering long-lasting results

Councillor Sizwe James, Cabinet Member for Transport, Economy and Smart Cities, said: "Helping our residents who have been out of work for some time to get their first foot on the employment ladder is the most important step to getting them into long-term employment.

"The barriers that people can face getting back into work cannot be overemphasised, which is why we have put such intensive support in place to help them all we can. The scheme has already delivered long-lasting results for many who have already taken part in it, with a huge number going on to find a job, which is fantastic.

"Don't miss out - register today and you could be working by September! Contact our GLLP team now to register for an eligibility check."

Register your interest

Residents interested in the scheme should contact GLLaB by Thursday 31 August to register for an eligibility check.

Register your interest with GLLaB