FINAL Updated: 7th April 2009

Neighbourhood Employment and Skills Plan

Princes End (2008 –10)

1 FINAL Updated: 7th April 2009 NEIGHBOURHOOD EMPLOYMENT AND SKILLS PLAN (NESP) FOR PRINCES END,

1. Introduction

1.1. Name of Neighbourhood/Ward Covered

This Employment and Skills Plan is for Princes End ward. Princes End ward is one of three wards in Town, in the Northwest of the borough. For the purposes of this Plan, the pre-2004 ward boundary has been used, because this is the area that has been used in the calculation of the Sandwell Local Area Agreement (LAA) ward targets. Further, the analysis undertaken to identify priority wards across the borough was based on data for pre-2004 ward boundaries. Most official economic data is also based on these boundaries.

Fig. 1: Tipton Town’s Ward Boundaries, with Princes End Ward Highlighted

1.2. Vision and Purpose

The City Strategy’s purpose is to provide a single Employment and Skills Plan for each priority ward, bringing together the work of the local authority, JobCentre Plus (JCP) and the Learning and Skills Council (LSC). The aim is to equip local people with the necessary skills and competencies for sustainable employment and to provide employers with an adequate supply of labour to meet their current and future skill needs.

1.3. Relevant Local Group

The Employment and Skills Panel is responsible for managing the delivery and scrutiny of the NESPs. This entails consultation with partners and the local community, providing a forum for examining delivery.

There is a clear report back mechanism on the progress via the Economic Regeneration and Skills Division so that groups can see that their views are taken into account and acted upon. Where delivery gaps occur the Sandwell Partnership will take responsibility for overcoming them.

2 FINAL Updated: 7th April 2009 2. Analysis of Need in the Neighbourhood

2.1. Labour Demand – Employment Profile

The number of jobs within the ward is fairly low as Princes End is a largely residential area. This means that the majority of the residents need to travel to work opportunities.

Fig. 2: Employment in Princes End, 2006 Prince End % Sandwell % Male Full-Time 47 51 Male Part-Time 5 6 Female Full-Time 25 23 Female Part-Time 24 20 Total 100 100 All Male 51 57 All Female 49 43 Total 100 100 All Full-Time 71 74 All Part-Time 29 26 Total 100 100

Base 2,983 126,104 Source: ABI 2006/NOMIS ABI 2006 discontinuity: There are significant discontinuities which affect comparisons of the 2006 ABI/1 employment estimates with earlier years.

Employment in the ward is slightly higher among women compared with the borough average and lower among men. Overall full time employment is slightly lower than the borough average while part-time employment is marginally higher.

Fig. 3: Industry of Employees, 2006 Employees- Employees- Industry Group Ward % Sandwell % 1 : Agriculture and fishing (SIC A,B) - - - - 2 : Energy and water (SIC C,E) - - - - 3 : Manufacturing (SIC D) 928 32.9 27,873 22.4 4 : Construction (SIC F) - - 7,075 5.7 5 : Distribution, hotels and restaurants (SIC G,H) 1,173 41.6 29,135 23.4 6 : Transport and communications (SIC I) - - 7,611 6.1 7 : Banking, finance and insurance, etc (SIC J,K) 111 3.9 16,058 12.9 8 : Public administration, education & health (SIC L,M,N) 606 21.5 27,636 22.2 9 : Other services (SIC O,P,Q) - - 9,121 7.3 Total 2,818 124,509 100 Source: ABI 2006/NOMIS Some values suppressed due to confidentiality restrictions (Statistics of Trade Act 1947). Totals and percentages given are of the non-confidential data. ABI 2006 discontinuity: There are significant discontinuities which affect comparisons of the 2006 ABI/1 employment estimates with earlier years.

Figure 3 shows Distribution, hotels and restaurants, Manufacturing, and Public administration, education and health to be the largest employment sectors in Princes End ward. 3 FINAL Updated: 7th April 2009

However, although the data provides an idea of employment opportunities within the ward, it should be noted that the area within which the ward’s residents work will be much wider than this (for further information see Travel to Work section, page 6).

Please note that Figure 4 relates to the industry in which Princes End residents work, as opposed to Figures 2 and 3, which relate to employment in workplaces based within the ward. The industries employing the greatest numbers of residents in 2001 were ‘Manufacturing’ and ‘Wholesale, retail and repair of motor vehicles’ both of which employ higher proportions than Sandwell as a whole.

Fig. 4: Industry of Princes End Ward Residents in Employment, 2001 Number Sandwell Industry Group in ward % % All people 16-74 in employment 5073 Agriculture, hunting, forestry 21 0.4 0.3 Fishing 0 0.0 0.0 Mining and Quarrying 6 0.1 0.1 Manufacturing 1691 33.3 26.0 Electricity, gas and water 49 1.0 0.9 Construction 317 6.3 6.3 Wholesale & retail, Repair of Motor Vehicles 1090 21.5 18.7 Hotels and Catering 172 3.4 4.2 Transport, Storage and Communication 269 5.3 6.8 Financial Intermediation 107 2.1 2.9 Real Estate, Renting & Business Activities 403 7.9 9.4 Public Admin. & Defence 139 2.7 4.1 Education 240 4.7 6.0 Health & Social Work 378 7.5 10.3 Other 191 3.8 4.1 Source: 2001 Census, Key Statistics People in employment aged 16-74

Self Employment

Self employment is not necessarily to be taken as an indicator of good economic health for either the locality or the individual. It can represent an individual’s inability to find employment opportunities in the area. However, current government policy is based on the premise that economic activity contributes to overall output of the local economy and that a locality with a low level of economic activity is not fulfilling its full potential.

Information and data on this aspect of formal economic activity is difficult to obtain at (ward) level and estimates as to the size of Sandwell’s informal economy remain as elusive as ever. At this time it is unclear as to how throughput data in relation to enterprise support is to be obtained as the region’s new Business Link delivery model is not yet up and running. The 2001 Census of Population shows Princes End to have 312 people in self-employment, or 4% of the 16-59/64 year old population, below the Sandwell and nation figures of 5.2% and 9% respectively.

4 FINAL Updated: 7th April 2009 Local Employers

Princes End is largely a residential ward, some of the main employers in surrounding wards are:

Laird Security Hardware Limited, Bloomfield Park Industrial Estate, Great Bridge Sigmacast Iron Limited, Upper Church Lane, Tipton Asda, Great Bridge Red Mill Snack Foods Ltd, Globe Street, Tulip Fresh Meats Ltd, George Henry Road, Wednesbury

Opportunities

Although there is significant regeneration activity planned within Sandwell, none of this activity is specifically targeted at Princes End ward. Neighbouring ward Wednesbury North is included in the North Sandwell Action Plan which will deliver £11million economic and community regeneration projects by December 2008. Tipton is generally losing employment to housing. There has been a large amount of residential development in the Tipton area in recent years and this is set to continue.

Travel To Work Activity

Princes End has poor access to public transport1 and low levels of car ownership (2001 Census of Population). This is a particular issue given that the number of job opportunities based in the area is relatively low.

The 2001 Census shows that there are 847 residents of Princes End who work within the ward. Another 1981 workers travel into the ward to work while 4145 travel out of the ward to work. This results in an overall net out-flow of 2164 workers, which is probably due to the low number of jobs available in this largely residential ward.

Within Sandwell, the greatest movements of people travelling into Princes End to work tend to come from neighbouring wards especially and Great Bridge. The greatest movements out of Princes End also tend to go towards these neighbouring wards, although there are also significant movements towards wards with considerable employment opportunities such a Central, Oldbury and Greets Green and Lyng.

More people commute into Princes End from outside of Sandwell than within Sandwell; these incoming commuters come primarily from , with significant numbers also from Wolverhampton and . More Princes End residents tend to travel within Sandwell than outside, those that do commute outside of the borough also tend to go to Dudley, followed by Wolverhampton and Walsall.

Fig. 5: Journey to Work Movements within Sandwell Work in Princes End Live in Princes End Origin No. % Destination No. % Princes End 847 54.7 Princes End 847 26.9 Great Bridge 148 9.6 Tipton Green 502 16.0 Tipton Green 148 9.6 Great Bridge 354 11.3 Wednesbury South 78 5.0 Wednesbury South 320 10.2

1 (Bywater, A. (2005) Neighbourhood Analysis) 5 FINAL Updated: 7th April 2009

Hateley Heath 40 2.6 West Bromwich Central 274 8.7 Wednesbury North 38 2.5 Oldbury 186 5.9 Tividale 30 1.9 Wednesbury North 166 5.3 Friar Park 27 1.7 Greets Green and Lyng 129 4.1 Charlemont 22 1.4 St. Pauls 101 3.2 Great Barr 22 1.4 Hateley Heath 61 1.9 Langley 22 1.4 Soho and Victoria 51 1.6 Oldbury 21 1.4 Cradley Heath and Old Hill 32 1.0 West Bromwich Central 16 1.0 Friar Park 27 0.9 Rowley 15 1.0 Langley 18 0.6 Greets Green and Lyng 13 0.8 Blackheath 16 0.5 Cradley Heath and Old Hill 11 0.7 Charlemont 13 0.4 Abbey 10 0.6 Abbey 10 0.3 Newton 9 0.6 Rowley 9 0.3 Blackheath 8 0.5 Smethwick 8 0.3 St. Pauls 8 0.5 Great Barr 6 0.2 Bristnall 6 0.4 Old Warley 6 0.2 Old Warley 3 0.2 Tividale 6 0.2 Smethwick 3 0.2 Bristnall 3 0.1 Soho and Victoria 3 0.2 Newton 0 0.0

Fig. 6: Journey to Work Movements into and out of Sandwell Work in Princes End Live in Princes End Origin No. % Destination No. % Dudley 433 33.8 Dudley 604 32.7 Wolverhampton 287 22.4 Wolverhampton 398 21.5 Walsall 245 19.1 Walsall 372 20.1 South Staffordshire 91 7.1 Birmingham 283 15.3 Birmingham 88 6.9 South Staffordshire 31 1.7 Bridgnorth 21 1.6 Source: 2001 Census, Special Workplace Statistics Movements into and out of Sandwell tables only show counts over 20 but percentages are based on all movements between the ward and outside Sandwell.

Accessibility of Job Opportunities

Sandwell MBC is intending to model the accessibility of key employment opportunity sites for Princes End residents. In particular, this will include mapping and analysis of the employment destinations people are able to access, within an ‘acceptable’ timeframe, on public transport.

Vacancy Information Locally by Sector.

The data for vacancies (notified to Jobcentre Plus) by sector by ward are published monthly. The majority of these vacancies in Princes End ward since July 2007 have been mainly in the ‘Banking, finance and insurance etc,’ sector. There are few vacancies in the ‘Public administration, education and health’, ‘Manufacturing’, ‘Construction’ and ‘Distribution, hotels and restaurants’ sectors. It is widely recognised that a high percentage of vacancies are not advertised either through JobCentre Plus or other channels. In manufacturing industry, employers may choose to use word of mouth through friends and relatives. Employment 6 FINAL Updated: 7th April 2009 Agencies are widely used for temporary vacancies. If there is a significant recruitment agency presence in a ward or adjacent ward that advertise vacancies through Jobcentre Plus, the NOMIS data may be misleading as they will serve employers over a wide geographical area.

Fig. 7: Notified Vacancies by Industry in Princes End July 2007 – July 2008 5 : 8 : Public 1 : 6 : Transport 7 : Banking, 3 : 4 : Distribution, administration, 9 : Other Agriculture 2 : Energy and and finance and Date Manufacturing Construction hotels and education & services (SIC and fishing water (SIC C,E) communicatio insurance, etc (SIC D) (SIC F) restaurants health (SIC O,P,Q) (SIC A,B) ns (SIC I) (SIC J,K) (SIC G,H) L,M,N) number % number % number % number % number % number % number % number % number % July 2007 0 0 0 0.0 1 8 0 0 0 0.0 1 8 11 84.6 0 0.0 0 0.0 August 2007 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 1 2.1 0 0 1 2 44 91.7 2 4 0 0.0 September 2007 0 0 0 0.0 2 9 2 9 0 0.0 1 5 16 72.7 1 4.5 0 0 October 2007 0 0 0 0.0 3 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 42 85.7 4 8.2 0 0 November 2007 0 0 0 0.0 1 5 0 0 1 4.8 0 0 15 71.4 4 19.0 0 0.0 December 2007 0 0 0 0.0 1 1 0 0.0 1 1.4 1 1.4 64 92.8 2 2.9 0 0.0 January 2008 0 0 0 0.0 2 2 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 94 92.2 6 5.9 0 0 February 2008 0 0 0 0.0 2 7 2 7 0 0.0 0 0 22 78.6 2 7.1 0 0 March 2008 0 0 0 0.0 2 17 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 9 75.0 1 8.3 0 0.0 April 2008 0 0 0 0.0 1 3 0 0 2 6.2 0 0.0 29 90.6 0 0.0 0 0 May 2008 0 0 0 0 1 9 1 9 1 9 0 0.0 8 72.7 0 0.0 0 0.0 June 2008 0 0 0 0.0 0 0.0 2 3 2 3.1 0 0.0 58 89.2 3 4.6 0 0.0 July 2008 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0.0 8 53.3 7 46.7 0 0

Additional (Anecdotal) Information from Local Stakeholders (with any Evidence)

The Tipton Town Team have identified low aspiration and a reluctance to travel as significant barriers to employment. An over reliance on buses for transport which do not always follow direct routes to employment sites. The Team feel there is a need to focus on the provision of long term, sustainable employment in the area to enable local people to reduce their reliance on short term contract, temporary work. Additionally there is a need to ensure that remedial activities are focused on key estates such as Tibbington and Old Glebefields rather than areas with less retractable problems.

Jobcentre Plus have provided some information for Tipton Town, within which Princes End ward is situated. The Tipton town area contains a significant amount of warehousing, distribution, manufacturing and care type employers. This has been changing over recent years with a decline in much of the traditional manufacturing industries and growth in the care sector. Currently the large employers within the area are Carphone Warehouse and J T Firth.

Job Centre Plus have noticed that a lack of previous experience gained by Tipton residents has prevented the filling of many vacant skilled positions. Although the growth of the Care sector has created jobs, many residents do not have the skills or experience to fill them.

The number of vacancies within the area on the whole is increasing and Job Centre Plus is therefore focussing on what the employers are looking for. A major barrier to work is experience, and other barriers highlighted include basic skills levels, attitude to work, rates of pay (the benefit trap), previous debt, transport and employers flexibility to hours (childcare).

Social skills would help to get a large number of vacancies filled within the Tipton area. There is also a feeling that benefit surgeries would help to give people an understanding of ways in which they could engage with employment without reducing their income.

There is a need for permanent jobs within the area that have a degree of flexibility to support the needs of the local people. Training opportunities available to employees would also help to address the skills gap.

7 FINAL Updated: 7th April 2009 In the future it is likely that there will be advances in technology in companies impacting on the labour market requirements. It is thought that additional training and qualifications will be needed for the future.

2.2. Welfare Reform

JCP are embarking on major reforms to their services during 2008 and 2009. These changes will have implications nationally but will also impact on the roll out of the NESPs.

Pathways to Work and initial changes affecting lone parents were implemented in April. Pathways to Work concentrates on assisting Incapacity Benefit (IB) claimants into work. In Sandwell this programme is delivered by Seetec a private provider but in other parts of the country this is delivered by a range of voluntary sector providers or direct by JCP.

Major changes are being implemented in terms of lone parents. A lone parent whose youngest child is aged 12 or over will no longer be entitled to receive income support solely on the grounds that they are a lone parent. From October 2009 the maximum age of the youngest child reduces to 10 and then further reduces in October 2010 to 7. Six monthly work focused interviews have been introduced for all lone parents (and for partners of JSA customers who are parents) along with greater opportunity of contact with employers through Options and Choices events. Once a lone parent starts work they can also receive In Work credit payments, receive continued support from their adviser and access the In Work Emergency Discretionary Fund.

In terms of improving support to disabled people Ministers have met following a public consultation. The existing support includes the Job Introduction Scheme, Work Preparation, WORKSTEP, Access to Work and specialist advice from Disability Employment Advisors. It is felt however that further support is required in terms of identifying, securing and retaining employment. The further changes will come into effect in October 2009.

In October a range of changes to out of work benefits were announced. The Better off in Work Credit, which is aimed at ensuring those people who move into full time work are better off financially, than they were on benefits by at least £25 per week, will be available to all those currently in receipt of benefits. However this entitlement will only be available for 26 weeks. In addition the amount of Child Maintenance that parents can keep before it affects their benefit will increase to £20 per week. The biggest change is the introduction of the Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) which will replace IB and Income Support. This will include a new Work Capability Assessment focusing on what work/roles people can do rather than what jobs their conditions prevent them doing. ESA will provide extra help to assist those people who can work into employment and additional support to those who really cannot be expected to work.

In April, Flexible New Deal will be launched (Sandwell will be one of the initial 28 districts). This revised regime will include back-to-work group sessions for customers claiming JSA, targeted personal adviser interviews from the 13 week point for some customers, plus more mandatory interviews and a basic skills assessment for all customers from week 26.

Data source: Changing Times, how the welfare system is being reformed – Job Centre Plus

8 FINAL Updated: 7th April 2009 Local Employment Partnerships (LEPs)

LEPs were launched by JCP in 2007. The target set is to achieve 100,000 jobs nationally through LEP interventions by April 1999. They rely on a simple principle that matches priority customers who have been supported in becoming work ready with employers who have vacancies. In Sandwell, Sandwell MBC is the preferred deliverer of the job training element on behalf of the LSC which is currently funded through the Deprived Area Fund (DAF). Already as a result of the initial 5 LEPs 28 formerly unemployed people have moved in full time employment. Additional people have been taken on through work trials so this figure is expected to increase.

A successful model has been developed which involves initial engagement with the employer to determine their needs, i.e. the type of skills, training and competencies required. Then a training plan was developed to provide relevant and tailored training which is tendered out to local training providers (this includes all the Working Neighbourhood Fund (WNF) Neighbourhood Learning in Deprived Communities (NLDC) and DAF partners, many of which are voluntary community sector organisations). This is also useful to the local economy as it increases the availability of training contracts within the borough. The next stage is to hold a series of Open Days where candidates are referred through JCP. Following an initial sift, candidates are entered onto the pre employment training course which then leads successful candidate to guaranteed interviews. During the process the employer has large amounts of contact with the candidates which assist in ensuring the candidates are clear on what is required.

Experience is showing that due to the success of the scheme the same employers are returning with further rounds of recruitment so that the same process can be used to fill further vacancies. Another measure of the schemes achievement is that SMBC have submitted a number of candidates into the national LEP awards.

2.3. Labour Supply – Client Profile

The population profile of Princes End is fairly similar to the borough averages in terms of age and gender as shown in figure 8.

Fig. 8: Population by Age and Gender, 2001 Ward Sandwell Population No. % % Total number of people 12826 Total Female: 6577 51.3% 51.8% Total Male: 6249 48.7% 48.2% Aged 0-4: 965 7.5% 6.4% Aged 5-15: 2107 16.4% 15.3% Aged 16-24: 1386 10.8% 10.5% Aged 25-29: 937 7.3% 6.8% Aged 30-44: 2900 22.6% 22.1% Aged 45-59: 2248 17.5% 17.3% Aged 60-74: 1663 13.0% 13.8% Aged 75 and Over: 620 4.8% 7.7% Source: Census of Population 2001

The working age population of Princes End has a considerably lower proportion of Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) residents compared to the borough average. In Princes End 95.4% of the working age population are White, compared to 79.1% for Sandwell as a whole.

9 FINAL Updated: 7th April 2009 Fig. 9: Working Age Population (16-59/64) by Ethnic Group, 2001 Sandwell Ethnic Group No. % % White (inc. British; Irish; Other White) 7398 94.5% 79.1% Mixed (inc. White and Black Caribbean 82 1.0% 1.3% Black African; White and Asian; Other Mixed) Asian or Asian British: Indian 166 2.1% 10.3% Asian or Asian British: Pakistani 12 0.2% 2.8% Asian or Asian British: Bangladeshi 3 0.0% 1.1% Asian or Asian British: Other Asian 12 0.2% 0.8% Black or Black British: Caribbean 110 1.4% 3.5% Black or Black British: African 12 0.2% 0.3% Black or Black British: Other Black 22 0.3% 0.3% Chinese or other ethnic group: Chinese 6 0.1% 0.2% Chinese or other ethnic group: Other Ethnic Group 9 0.1% 0.2% Source: Census of Population 2001

Economic Activity in Princes End is fairly similar to the borough averages, but with slightly higher unemployment for both males and females, as shown in figure 10.

Fig. 10: Economic Activity, 2001 Great Princes End Sandwell Britain (numbers) (%) (%) (%) All people Economically active 5,572 71.4 72.9 76 In employment 4,964 63.6 66.2 71.6 Employees 4,652 59.6 61 62.6 Self employed 312 4 5.2 9 Unemployed 608 10.9 9.3 5.8 Males Economically active 3,222 80.4 79.9 81.4 In employment 2,810 70.1 71.4 76 Employees 2,554 63.8 63.3 63.1 Self employed 256 6.4 8.1 12.9 Unemployed 412 12.8 10.7 6.5 Females Economically active 2,350 61.8 65.5 70.3 Employment 2,154 56.7 60.6 66.9 Employees 2,098 55.2 58.5 62.1 Self employed 56 1.5 2.2 4.8 Unemployed 196 8.3 7.5 4.8 Source: Census of Population (Table CAS028 - Sex and Age by Economic Activity NB Percentages are based on working age population (16-59/64), except unemployed which is based on economically active.

Fig. 11: Worklessness Level by Quartile Workless level by quartile (1=highest) No BME Over 50 Qualifications Lone Parents Abbey 2 4 4 4 Blackheath 4 2 3 2 Bristnall 3 1 2 3 Charlemont 3 4 4 4 Cradley Heath and Old Hill 3 3 3 2 10 FINAL Updated: 7th April 2009

Friar Park 4 2 1 1 Great Barr 3 3 4 4 Great Bridge 3 1 1 3 Greets Green and Lyng 2 3 2 3 Hateley Heath 2 2 1 2 Langley 2 3 3 4 Newton 2 4 4 4 Old Warley 4 3 3 3 Oldbury 1 4 4 4 Princes End 4 1 1 1 Rowley 4 2 3 2 Saint Pauls 1 2 1 1 Smethwick 1 3 2 1 Soho & Victoria 1 4 3 1 Tipton Green 1 1 1 1 Tividale 4 4 4 3 Wednesbury north 3 2 2 2 Wednesbury South 2 1 2 2 West Bromwich Central 1 1 2 3 Source: 2001 Census of Population/Research Sandwell calculation. Worklessness defined as unemployed plus economically inactive population minus retired population.

The levels of worklessness in the above tables relate to the number of unemployed and economically active people in each priority group (as opposed to the rate). They represent a measure of the relative scale of worklessness within each ward. Rate data within wards is potentially less useful for the subgroups. For example a ward with a small number of lone parents, a high proportion of whom are workless, would show up as having a major problem, even though the actual numbers of workless lone parents are small.

Princes End is shown to have a relatively high number of people who are workless and in the aged over 50, no qualifications and lone parents groups. Given that the age structure is similar to Sandwell, it appears that there is a disproportionate number of over 50s who are workless.

Fig. 12: Benefit Recipients Feb-07 Feb-08 2007 2008

% of % of Rate Working Working Differential Age Age from Princes End Number Population Sandwell Number Population Sandwell Sandwell Total 2,135 27.3 21.6 2,010 25.7 20.8 5.7 4.9 Job Seeker 510 6.5 4.9 430 5.5 4.2 1.6 1.3 Incapacity Benefits 840 10.8 9.3 840 10.8 9.3 1.5 1.5 Lone Parent 445 5.7 3.3 420 5.4 3.2 2.4 2.2 Others on Income Related Benefit 85 1.1 0.8 75 1.0 0.8 0.3 0.2 Total on the 4 Key Benefits 1,880 24.1 18.3 1765 22.6 17.4 5.8 5.2 Disabled 85 1.1 1.3 90 1.2 1.3 -0.2 -0.1 Bereaved 30 0.4 0.4 25 0 0 0.0 0.0 11 FINAL Updated: 7th April 2009

Carer 140 1.8 1.7 130 1.7 1.7 0.1 0.0 Source: DWP Working Age Client Group statistics, denominator - 2006 Mid-year population estimates NB data is rounded to the nearest 5

There is a greater proportion of people claiming benefits in Princes End compared to the borough average although the gap has narrowed over the last 2 years. Between February 2007 and 2008 the rate differential with Sandwell on the 4 Key worklessness benefits narrowed by 0.6 percentage points.

Fig. 13: Total Benefit Claimants by Gender and Age, February 2008, Percentages Princes End Sandwell Male 49 50 Female 51 50 16 – 24 19 25 – 49 52 50 and over 28 Source: DWP Working Age Client Group, 2006 mid year population estimates Benefit Recipients, WACG Feb 2008

There are a high proportion of benefit claimants in the 16-24 age group relative to other NESP wards.

JSA Claimant Count

Claimant unemployment is much higher in Princes End ward than in Sandwell as a whole. In August 2008 it had the 4th highest claimant unemployment rate in the borough.

Fig. 14: Claimant Unemployment

Claimant Unemployment

7

6

5

4

3

2

1

0

7 -07 07 07 -07 % of working age population mid-yr estimate 2001 estimate mid-yr population age working % of l-07 l-08 y- g- ct pr Ju ay-08 Ju Mar-07A Ma Jun-07 Au Sep-07O Nov-07Dec-0 Jan-08Feb-08Mar-08Apr-08M Jun-08 Aug-08

Princes End Sandwell Great Britain

Source: Office for National Statistics (NOMIS)

12 FINAL Updated: 7th April 2009 Fig. 15: JSA Claimants by duration of Claim, July 2008 Princes End Sandwell Great Britain

(number) (%) (%) (%) Up to 6 months 290 71.0 71.5 72.8 Over 6 up to 12 months 80 18.7 16.7 15.7 Over 12 months 50 10.3 11.8 11.5 Source: Office for National Statistics (NOMIS)

In July 2008 Princes End had a slightly higher proportion of JSA claimants who are mid-term (6 to 12 months) unemployed than Sandwell as a whole, but a slightly lower proportion who are long-term unemployed.

Fig. 16: Incapacity Benefit (IB) Claimant Rate February 2006-08

Incapacity Benefit Claimant Rate February 06-08 11.0

10.5

10.0

9.5

2006 9.0

8.5

8.0

06 06 06 07 07 07 08 - - -07 t- ct ec- eb- un-07 % year of working mid estimate age population Feb-06 Apr-06 Jun-06Aug O D F Apr-07 J Aug Oc Dec- Feb-

Princes End Sandw ell

Source: DWP, Working Age Client Group, Benefit Recipients Feb 2006- Feb 2008/ 2004 mid year population estimates

The IB Claimant rate in February 2008 was 10.8%, the 9th highest rate of the 24 wards in Sandwell. The gap between Princes End and the borough has increased since February 2006.

Fig. 17: Breakdown of Incapacity Benefit Claimants, February 2008 Number % total claimants 850 benefit : incapacity benefit 800 benefit : severe disablement allowance 50 age : 16-24 60 7.1 age : 25-49 415 48.8 age : 50 - 59 265 31.2 age : 60 and over 110 12.9 gender : male 535 62.9 gender : female 315 37.1 duration : up to 6 months 100 11.8 duration : 6 months to 1 year 70 8.2

13 FINAL Updated: 7th April 2009 duration : 1 year and up to 2 years 85 10.0 duration : 2 years and up to 5 years 165 19.4 duration : 5 years and over 430 50.6 disease : mental* 330 38.8 disease : nervous system 45 5.3 disease : respiratory or circulatory 85 10.0 disease : muscoskeletal** 180 21.2 disease : injury, poisoning 40 4.7 disease : other 170 20.0 *Includes those with stress-related health problems **Includes those with back problems Source: DWP, Working Age Client Group, IB and Severe Disablement Allowance Recipients (NOMIS).

Significantly more men claim IB that women in the ward. The majority of claimants have been claiming for over five years. The most common reasons for claiming are mental disease and muscoskeletal disease – this trend can be found across most of the City Strategy wards.

Figure 18: Benefit Claimants by Lower Super Output Area (LSOA): Princes End, February 2008

Lower Super Job Incapacity Lone 50 and Output/Data Total Carer Others Male Female 16 - 24 25 - 49 Seeker Benefits Parent over Zone Area

E01010029 270 50 115 65 20 10 130 140 55 150 65 E01010030 305 65 125 60 30 10 155 150 60 155 90 E01010031 305 85 130 50 10 15 170 135 75 145 85 E01010032 275 45 95 105 15 5 95 180 50 170 55 E01010033 270 75 130 25 20 10 155 115 40 145 85 E01010034 75 10 35 5 10 5 35 40 10 35 30 E01010035 80 10 40 5 5 0 45 35 0 25 55 E01010036 180 30 70 50 10 5 75 105 30 95 55 E01010037 255 65 95 65 15 5 130 125 65 135 55 Source: DWP Working Age Client Group, February 2008

There is considerable variation in numbers of benefit claimants in each LSOA in Princes End; this presents a strong argument for geographical targeting in the ward. The LSOAs with the lowest number of claimants are in the Gospel Oak area of the ward.

14 FINAL Updated: 7th April 2009 Fig 19: Princes End Ward2 showing the 2001 Census LSOA

Attainment

Figure 20: Qualifications of the Working Age Population, 2001 Princes End Sandwell Great Britain All people aged 16-74 (numbers) (%) (%) (%) No qualifications or level unknown 5,329 58.3 52.6 35.8 Lower level qualifications 3,287 36 37.7 43.9 Higher level qualifications 524 5.7 9.7 20.4 Source: 2001 Census, Office for National Statistics (ONS), Census Area Statistics Table CAS032 - Sex and Age and Level of Qualifications3 by Economic Activity4

The 2001 Census shows that there is a notable deficit in the proportion of residents qualified at higher level relative to Sandwell as a whole. The ward has a significantly higher proportion of residents with no/low qualifications, than the borough level.

2 Standard Table Wards (pre 2004 Geography) 3 Qualifications: The term ‘no qualifications’ describes people without any academic, vocational or professional qualifications. The term ‘lower level’ qualifications is used to describe qualifications equivalent to levels 1 to 3 of the National Key Learning Targets (i.e. GSCE’s O levels, A levels, NVQ levels 1-3). The term ’Higher level’ refers to qualifications of levels 4 and above (i.e. first degrees, higher degrees, NVQ levels 4 and 5, HND, HNC and certain professional qualifications). 4 All figures are for persons aged 16 to 74 15 FINAL Updated: 7th April 2009 Figure 21: IMD 2007 Skills Sub-domain: Working Age Adults (aged 25-54) with no or Low Qualifications (NVQ1 or below) by LSOA: Rank by Sandwell Decile Rank (1=worst 10%, 2=10%-20% LSOA etc) E01010029 1 E01010030 1 E01010031 1 E01010032 1 E01010033 3 E01010034 9 E01010035 8 E01010036 4 E01010037 1 Source: Indices of Multiple Deprivation, 2007

The 2007 Indices of Deprivation, though based on 2001 Census data, provide a useful comparison of the level of skills according to Lower Super Output Area (LSOA). Figure 21 shows considerable variation exists within the ward in terms of skills deprivation. Over half the LSOAs are in the worst 10% of LSOAs in Sandwell, whilst two LSOAs, in the Gospel Oak area, are in the least deprived 20%. This pattern lends support to a targeted approach to skills deprivation in the ward.

2.4. Other Issues – Health, Income etc.

Health

Princes End5 has a life expectancy at birth for males and females combined of 77.1 years (using 2004 – 2006 data), which is significantly lower than the national average for England of 79.5 years. It is the 12th highest life expectancy rate in the borough.

The new ward of Princes End6 has a higher death rate than the Sandwell average and was the 7th highest of the Sandwell wards for age standardised death rates for the period 2001- 2005 (5 year rolling average).7

However, the 2001 Census showed that Princes End has a slightly lower proportion of the population with limiting long-term illness than Sandwell as a whole and a slightly lower proportion of the population not in good health.

Fig. 23 Limiting Long-Term Illness and Health 2001 With Limiting Not in Not in Good Health long-term Good and with Limiting Total Pop illness Health long-term illness Number 12771 2496 1448 1225 % of total pop 19.5 11.3 9.6 Sandwell % 21.2 11.7 10 Source: 2001 Census, Office for National Statistics, 2003

5 Standard Table Wards (pre 2004 Geography) 6 Electoral Wards, 2004 Geography 7 Source: Where’s Well?, 17th Annual Public Health Report, Sandwell PCT, 2006 http://www.researchsandwell.org.uk/research/navigation/health.asp

16 FINAL Updated: 7th April 2009

Deprivation

Princes End is in a very deprived position according to the Index of Multiple Deprivation 2007. Five out of the ten LSOAs are in the most deprived 5% nationally, a further two are amongst the most deprived 20% nationally. The two LSOAs in the Gospel Oak area are the least deprived, and this is the case across all domains which make up the Index. The ward scores particularly badly on the ‘Education, skills and training’ domain.

Migration

The number of migrant workers in the West Midlands has increased markedly since 2002 and especially since 2004 when labour market migrants from the A8 countries were granted access to the UK labour market. A study of the economic impact of migrant workers in the West Midlands’8 found that findings at a national level were replicated regionally. The study found that ‘immigration is beneficial to the economy overall although there is anecdotal evidence that there may be some localised negative effects, in particular local areas and labour market segments. No statistical data is available at ward level.

8 Institute of Employment Research, University of Warwick and BMG Research for WMRO, 2007 17 FINAL Updated: 7th April 2009 NEET

Young people who are classified as ‘Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET)’ have been identified as a national priority. Sandwell has a high proportion of young people within this group.

A number of initiatives are taking place at a borough wide level to address these issues. Examples of these interventions are: • Connexions Personal Advisors – for all young people aged 13-18 • Vulnerable Young Peoples Group • Young Offenders Initiative – Occupational Tasters for 16-18 NEET • Raising Aspirations – Occupational tasters and training for young parents NEET • BME Targeted Support

Using Black Country Connexions data from 2008, Research Sandwell has produced local estimates of the proportion of 16-18 year olds in the NEET group. Please note that the estimates may differ from official published data. These estimates show that Princes End has a NEET rate of 10.7% compared to Sandwell’s rate of 7.3%. This is the 2nd highest rate amongst the 24 wards in Sandwell.

Princes End has been identified as a ‘hotspot area’ for young people NEET. Additional Personal Advisors have been appointed to Willingsworth High School to provide outreach sessions for this group.

2.5. Summary of Issues/Needs

• The Sandwell Floor Target Action Plan provided a number of priority wards for certain target groups. Princes End ward is a priority for lone parents, benefit dependency, residents with no/low qualifications, over 50’s and access to transport links.

• There is considerable variation in numbers of benefit claimants in each Super Output Area in Princes End; this presents a strong argument for geographical targeting in the ward (Priority Issue 1).

• Claims for all benefits are particularly high in Princes End for the 16-24 age group (Priority Issue 1).

• Claimant unemployment is much higher in Princes End ward than in Sandwell as a whole. In August 2008 it had the 4th highest claimant unemployment rate in the borough (Priority Issue 1).

• Princes End has lower employment than the borough average (Priority Issue 2).

• Anecdotal evidence from Job Centre Plus suggests that in many cases Princes End residents are unable to access employment opportunities because of skills shortages or lack of experience (Priority Issue 2).

• Princes End has a considerably lower proportion of BME residents than the borough average.

18 FINAL Updated: 7th April 2009 • Princes End is shown to have a relatively high number of people who are workless and in the aged over 50, no qualifications and lone parents groups.

• Low aspiration and an unwillingness to travel are seen by the town team as key issues.

• Public transport links in Princes End are poor and can act as a significant barrier to entering employment.

• The fact that none of the large physical regeneration programmes in the borough currently focus on this ward, reduces opportunities for Princes End residents who face barriers to travelling to employment.

• Princes End scores fairly badly on the Index of Multiple Deprivation.

The Tipton Workshop covering Princes End on September 2008 and confirmed that the above priorities remain the same. Consequently, the following conclusions based on the above observations prevail:

There is a need for local venues providing local provision.

Training for soft skills such as employability, confidence building, self-esteem, money management etc. need to be made more available.

Family support workers and/or role models or ambassadors who are residents of Princes End, who may have been successful in securing training and employment, need to be used to promote the opportunities available.

The family support workers etc. should also be used to carry out personal development programmes with young people.

Current childcare provision either expanded or revisited needs to be made more accessible, flexible and affordable.

Focus on improved skills for employment in schools is needed.

There is a need for improved transport links, e.g. access to free college bus etc.

3. Current Service Provision and Summary of Effectiveness

This section (shown in Appendix 1) outlines current employment and skills focused services located/delivered in the neighbourhood and those serving the neighbourhood.

Appendix 1 also includes mainstream activities, e.g. New Deal, Employment Zones and IAG/Nextsteps provision. Due to the current economic climate it has not been possible to obtain an accurate impact assessment relating to Sandwell’s interventions under the City Strategy categories. Moreover, the annual targets presented owing to change are under review (see section four: Targets below).

19 FINAL Updated: 7th April 2009 An example of good practice already operating in the area involves partnership working in Alexandra and Willingsworth schools as part of the Safer, Stronger Communities Fund initiative. This has involved linking the schools themselves with Job Centre Plus, Connexions Careers Service, parents and mentors. The Town Team are anxious to see this work continue.

Voluntary Sector

The voluntary sector is involved in the delivery of City Strategy initiatives. Sandwell MBC has worked with the voluntary sector to ensure they gain the associated Quality Marks to ensure a minimum standard.

4. Targets

The LAA targets have been reviewed for 2009/2010. The worklessness agenda within the LAA will be superseded following the introduction of the Multi Area Agreement (MAA) expected in the summer 2009. Appendix 2 has the most up-to-date targets but will be subject to change.

5. Gap Analysis

A gap analysis will be ongoing and undertaken by the Employment and Skills Panel which is responsible for reporting the impact of service provision.

6. Action Plan

6.1. To improve the collective client service offer to workless residents of Princes End ward, Sandwell will need to consider how it can deliver a programme that includes as a minimum, the following enhanced elements wrapping around existing mainstream employment support programmes:

• Initial action planning • Identification of personal needs • Skills needs analysis • Travel to interview and work support • Provision of bespoke training linked to specific vacancies • Into work training entitlement to NVQ Level 2

This will improve progression routes for individuals to and through the network of locally available employment support provision by setting up a locally focused caseload management function to coordinate client engagement and referral across all local provision.

These are the key actions highlighted by the employment Skills Panel:

There is a need for representatives of the ward (Councillors, Town Teams etc.) to look at section 2.5 ‘Summary of Needs’ and explore local evidence that explains any unusual trends

20 FINAL Updated: 7th April 2009 There needs to be a focus on areas of particular needs e.g. Tibbington and Old Glebefields estates.

7. Performance Management Framework

7.1. Outcome / Impact Monitoring

The performance management structure that underpins the delivery of the City Strategy in Sandwell is as follows:

• Sandwell Economic Regeneration Partnership (SERP): The SERP will be primarily concerned with monitoring the delivery of the LAA and remediating any delivery issues

• Employment Group: This will be the local management group and comprises senior council officers and middle managers from JCP and LSC.

• Employment and Skills Panel: These groups will receive the NESPs for information and provide ward level intelligence etc.

Sandwell MBC Programmes and Performance Group is tasked with monitoring the borough’s LAA at the highest level, along with the appropriate council Cabinet Advisory Team.

It should be noted that currently, significant changes are underway in terms of the neighbourhood structure in Sandwell The Town Teams will be superseded by the Communities Unit, which will comprise of a Neighbourhood Manager for each town and three Community Development Managers to work across the borough.

7.2. Output Monitoring (by Activity/ Service/Provider)

Progress in delivery of the City Strategy NESPs will be via the quarterly reviewing system used to monitor the Sandwell Economic Plan. The Quarterly Review is initially received by the SERP for decision making and approval, then presented to the Councillor of Employment Skills and Partnerships. Each intervention deliverer will be responsible for providing data from which to report progress.

8. Contacts, Acknowledgements and Appendices

8.1 Contacts

The production of Sandwell's NESPs has been undertaken by the Economic Regeneration & Skills Division and Research Sandwell.

For enquiries relating to the City Strategy, contact:

Kim Mocroft, Employment and Skills Service Manager Tel: 0845 352 1255 Fax: 0121 569 3131 Email: [email protected]

21 FINAL Updated: 7th April 2009 For all other enquiries, please contact the NESPs project officer:

Andy Bywater, Economic Regeneration Strategy Manager Tel: 0121 569 3083 Fax: 0121 569 3131 Email: [email protected]

8.2 Acknowledgements

This NESP was produced with the assistance of the following individuals:

Amna Ali - Learning and Skills Council Lyndon Bracewell - Sandwell MBC, Economic Regeneration & Skills Division Mel Chillingworth - Research Sandwell Jane Cole - Sandwell MBC, Economic Regeneration & Skills Division Kate Collins - Research Sandwell Katherine Hewitt – Greets Green New Deal for Communities James Holmes - Research Sandwell Kim Mocroft - Sandwell MBC, Economic Regeneration & Skills Division Helen Peach - Sandwell MBC, Economic Regeneration & Skills Division Adele Philips - Sandwell MBC, Economic Regeneration & Skills Division Simon Plumbe - Sandwell MBC, Economic Regeneration & Skills Division Gurjeet Rajania - Research Sandwell Ann Thomas - Sandwell MBC, Economic Regeneration & Skills Division Marcus Whiting - Sandwell MBC, Economic Regeneration & Skills Division Mohammed Yafai - Sandwell MBC, Economic Regeneration & Skills Division

8.3 Appendices

22 FINAL Updated: 7th April 2009 Appendix One

Resources Target Group Outcome Intervention Lead Partner + Annual Target (Funding Comments Delivery Agent Source) Unemployed residents People into jobs. Joblink SMBC SMBC / WNF Based in Princes End and Soho & Victoria, operates borough wide Unemployed residents People into jobs in Carelink SMBC SMBC / WNF Based in Oldbury, care sector operates borough wide Unemployed residents People into jobs in Think Local SMBC SMBC / WNF Based in Oldbury, construction sector Construction operates borough wide Unemployed residents Sustained Workwise SMBC WNF / Based in Oldbury, employment CENTRO operates borough wide Unemployed residents People into Jobs In2Work SMBC SMBC Borough wide service with mental health based in West difficulties Bromwich All individuals aged 20 People into jobs IAG Next Steps Prospects Careers LSC funded or over who live and through IAG. West Bromwich work in Sandwell Jobcentre referrals and People into jobs Steps to Work Prospects Careers LSC funded anyone over the age of through IAG Sandwell West Bromwich 20 Unemployed women Engagement and Employment Sandwell Women’s 30 Sandwell NRF Borough wide service progression towards Pathway SWEDA Enterprise people into SMBC based in West training or Development employment. Bromwich. employment. Agency All individuals aged 20 Improved access to Careers Guidance /Prospects LSC or over. opportunity. Connexions All Enterprise growth Business start-up LSC / SWEDA All Improved access to Employment and Sure Start SACDA opportunity. Training outreach Adult and family learning Improved OCR IT Oxford and Sandwell Adult and skills Cambridge RSA Family Learning All Improved lit and Learn Direct Skills for Life, YMCA West Bromwich numeracy provision UFI and NRF Employed Older people NVQ L3 Adult SMBC 0 LSC ESF Geographical focus is 45+ Apprenticeships on Sandwell learners. BME Profiled target 250 Disabilities learners.

23 FINAL Updated: 7th April 2009 Lone parents Employed People with First NVQ L2 Upskilling Drivers Rollright School of 0 LSC ESF Operates in the whole low or no skills Training sector in and Operators Transport of the Black Country. Older people 45+ Construction Profiled target 200 learners. Employed NVQ L4 One-Stop Level 4 Future Training 0 LSC ESF Operates in the whole BME Initiative 2000 of the Black Country. Older people 45+ Profiled target 60 learners. Employed People with First NVQ L2 Employees BTCV 0 LSC ESF Operates in the whole no or low skills Training sector Qualification in of the Black Country. Older people 45+ Environmental Environmental Profiled target 22 Conservation EC2's learners. Employed people with First NVQ L2 Employer Walsall College 1 LSC ESF Operates in the whole no or low skills Engagement Level 2 of the Black Country. Older people 45+ Project 90% of delivery from the following two regeneration zones: • North Black Country & South Staffordshire • South Black Country / West Birmingham Employed and unwaged Skills for life entry Skills Into Jobs Wolverhampton LSC ESF Operates in the whole Incapacity benefit level 3 and L1 College of the Black Country. Migrant Workers / L1 and L2 Target learners 1,200 Refugees Non-accredited Unemployed workers activity - motivational aged 45+ support Progression in part / full time work Employed NVQ L2 & 3 Access to All Saints Haque 0 to date LSC ESF Operates in the whole Unemployed Information Professional IT Centre of the Black Country. People with no or low Technology Skills Target learners 92 skills Older people 45+ Unemployed Older City & Guilds Media The Media Skills & Light House Media 1 LSC ESF Operates in the whole people 45+ Techniques: Level 3 Technology Centre of the Black Country. Programme 25% Regeneration

24 FINAL Updated: 7th April 2009 Zones. Target learners 24 Employed Older people NVQ L3 Adult Dudley College LSC ESF Operates in the whole 45+ Apprenticeships of the Black Country. Target learners 905 Employed First NVQ level 2(or Innovation for Black JML Dolman 1 LSC ESF Operates in the whole People with no or low equivalent) Country Business of the Black Country. skills Management Target learners 500 Older people 45+ Unemployed, ex- NVQ L1 Skills for Life (118) Action for 17 LSC ESF Operates in the whole offenders, homeless, NVQ L2 Employment Ltd of the Black Country. BME, learners with Skills for Life (A4e) disabilities, learners with no qualifications NVQ L2 L2 Training A4e 0 LSC ESF Operates in the whole Hard to reach Programme (132) of the Black Country. companies Target learners 720

1800 places Backfill Service A4e 6 LSC ESF Operates in the whole backfilled (110) of the Black Country Voluntary & Community Target learners 1800 sector People with low level of skills Voluntary and NVQ L 1,2,3 Right People Right Wolverhampton 7 LSC ESF Operates in the whole community sector PQASSO Skills Voluntary Sector of the Black Country. Council OLASS Wolverhampton 0 College Employed learners in NVQ L3 Caring 4 Kids 2 Dudley MBC 0 LSC ESF Operates in the whole Health & Social Care of the Black Country. Target 180 learners Voluntary, Community NVQ L2 Vol & Comm Sector Co-operation Black 4 LSC ESF Operates in the whole Sector NVQ L3 Skills Country of the Black Country. Transformation Job Seekers Allowance People into jobs New Deal for Young Job Centre Plus DWP claimants aged 18-24 People contracted provision Unemployed 19+ L2 Skills for Life Work Based STA 48 Work Based Operates in the

25 FINAL Updated: 7th April 2009 Learning Sandwell NHS Learning Sandwell Borough IDSL Future Skills (SMBC) Sandwell College Unemployed 19+ L2 Skills for Life Further Education Sandwell College 167 FE Operates in the Sandwell Borough Employed L2 L3 Business and Business Start Up SMBC 0 to date LSC ESF Operates in the whole Unemployed 18+ social enterprises of the Black Country. Target learners 500 Residents from BME Improved language ESOL LSP? And Sandwell LSP? Lodge Primary school. communities. skills College. Residents from BME Engagement and Sandwell 20 Sandwell Voluntary Borough wide services communities. progression towards African Caribbean people into sector SMBC based in West training or Agency. employment Bromwich. employment. BME groups Sustainable Joblink. Carelink SMBC 13 priority wards WNF Targets 13 priority employment 2009/10: 266 LAA wards, over 50+ also Lone Parents Improved lone Pilot project / new JCP No ward level DWP Runs to March 2008.. parent employment deal for lone data. rate. parents. Lone Parents Improved lone Entry to LSC Black Country Lone parents under 25. parent employment Employment target. rate. Lone Parents Improved lone Support for Lone LSC Whole City LSC / ESF £5 million across all 55 parent employment Teenage Parents Strategy target Objective 3 wards. rate. wards only Over 50s Improvement in over Flexible New Deal JCP Mainstream Offers specialist advice 50s employment JCP at 6 months. rate. Over 50s Improvement in over Flexible New Deal JCP Mainstream Not specific to over 50s 50s employment JCP but advisers will rate. engage this group. Over 50s Over 50s in Joblink. Carelink SMBC 2009/10=109 WNF Also has targets for sustained LAA BME groups in priority employment 13 priority wards wards. No qualifications. Improve basic skills Full level 2 Training LSC 1540 into training LSC / ESF No ward target or data. amongst Sandwell programme. in the West Objective 3 residents. Midland Region. No / low qualifications Improve skills Train2Gain LSC

26 FINAL Updated: 7th April 2009 amongst low skilled employees. No / Low qualifications Supporting young LSC people with a package of work- based training. No / Low qualifications Supporting young Student LSC people with a Apprenticeships package of work- based training. No / Low qualifications Increased business Skills for LSC 300 into learning LSC / ESF formation and Entrepreneurs. Objective 3 survival. General Reduced number of Pathways to work JCP No ward level JCP / DWP From January 2008, for IB claimants target. new and repeat claimants a national contract will be in place. General Reduced New Deal for JCP No ward target.* unemployment Disabled People amongst disabled residents.

27 FINAL Updated: 7th April 2009 Appendix Two Sandwell's Local Area Agreement Reward Indicators 2007/08 to 2009/10

Economy Block Targets Targets Baselines Targets 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 2006/07 (Unless Lead Ref Outcomes Indicators (Including any (Including any (Including otherwise partner stretch targets) stretch any stretch stated) targets) targets) a) Number of people from BME groups in priority 65 65 wards helped into employment by SMBC 234 (2005/06) 252 Increase 266 with 266 with SMBC Employment Economic reward reward Regeneration D3.4 39 39 and Skills REWARD Division - b) Number of people from BME groups in priority INDICATOR 140 (2005/06) 151 John Sutton wards sustained in employment by SMBC 173 with 173 with reward reward 25 25 a) Number of people aged over 50 in priority SMBC 91 (2005/06) 98 Increase wards helped into employment by SMBC 109 with 109 with Economic Employment Regeneration reward reward D3.5 and Skills 15 REWARD 15 Division - b) Number of people aged over 50 in priority John Sutton INDICATOR 54 (2005/06) 58 wards helped into employment by SMBC 71 with 71 with reward reward Improve basic Number of Sandwell residents in employment 120 120 120 skills LSC achieving Skills for Life qualifications at either D4.2 100 (2005/06) Entry Level 3, Level 1 and Level 2 via Train to 140 with 160 with 180 with REWARD Gain reward reward reward INDICATOR

SMBC Improve Skills 27,400 (2005) 28,762 30,612 32,463 Economic D4.3 Total number of working age people in Sandwell Regeneration

REWARD (aged 16 to 59 for females and 16 to 64 for and Skills 29,099 with 31,453 with 33,976 with INDICATOR males) qualified to level 2 only Division (source: APS) reward reward reward

John Sutton

28 FINAL Updated: 7th April 2009 Local Area Agreement – Economic Targets 2008/09 to 2010/11

Baseline Economic Targets Partners who have signed- Priority Ref Indicator up to the target and any (2007/8 year unless 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 stated) which are acting as lead partner/s (shown with a *) Jobcentre Plus More People Closing the gap Closing the gap Sandwell MBC Working age people on out 17.75% (0.55% in NI 152 18.3% (May 2007) target in line target in line of work benefits* reduction) Employment with the MAA with the MAA

Sandwell MBC

More People Black Country Learning & Learners achieving a level 06/07 data in NI 161 3349 3391 3439 Skills Council 1 qualification in literacy* 3199 Employment Sandwell College Schools Sandwell MBC Black Country Learning & Proportion of population More People 33.4% 35.4% Skills Council aged 19-64 for males and 39.4% (Increase in NI 164 32.4% (2006) (Increase of (Increase Sandwell College 19-59 for females qualified of 4%) Employment Black Country Chamber to at least level 3 or higher* 1%) of 2%)

Sandwell MBC Previously developed land More People Advantage West Midlands that has been vacant or in NI 170 - - 1% 1% derelict for more than 5 Employment years*

Sandwell MBC * More People New business registration 36.8 (825 43.9 (1000 Jobcentre Plus in NI 171 978 978 rate Black Country Chamber Employment businesses) businesses)

29