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11/05/2010
Groundwork has called on new government to jump-start green growth
Groundwork – one of the UK’s leading providers of green jobs training – has today called upon the next government, whatever its colour, to create the conditions needed for a genuine low-carbon economy. With unemployment and climate change both high in the public consciousness there is an opportunity for a new government to strengthen the link between economic development and the environment, by investing in youth employment schemes and in businesses to provide full time jobs for them once they complete their work experience. Groundwork chief executive, Tony Hawkhead, said, “The low carbon economy needs more than a kick-start, it requires jump-starting with a programme of government intervention. “Groundwork is a keen supporter of green growth, but we are finding that once a period of work experience concludes, there are still relatively small numbers of permanent jobs out there for young people, despite the benefits they bring to the community and environment. ”Enterprise can certainly rise to the challenge of creating the jobs but, in order to do so, businesses must have confidence that the market will be there. This requires a strong signal from the new government – without this signal, we will continue to struggle to realise a truly low carbon economy.” Groundwork is currently delivering several major employment programmes – including the Community Task Force in south-west Wales and the Wales Valleys and, in partnership with the National Housing Federation, one of the largest non-local authority led Future Jobs Fund schemes across the UK. Jaye Connelly, 20, managed to secure a job after being made redundant and subsequently completing her Future Jobs Fund placement. She said: “I was referred to Groundwork’s Future Jobs Fund scheme by my Jobcentre Plus Adviser after being made redundant from Woolworths. I’ve gained a lot from taking part, and I’ve even managed to secure a full time job. “I think it’s very important for young people who haven’t had a chance to develop their skills, to be given as much support as possible to do so. It will really help them in the future.”
