Press Office

 

CIPD brings employers together with Iain Duncan Smith to discuss the case for business engaging with welfare to work and youth employment initiatives

  • 08 Dec 2011
 
Even in the current tough economic climate, against a backdrop of rising unemployment, employers have much to gain from actively engaging with the Government’s flagship Work Programme and recent youth employment initiatives. This is the key message from speakers at an event attended by the Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith today (Thursday), organised by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and supported by the CBI.

The event, which is also supported by welfare-to-work provider A4e, will hear an employer’s view of hiring from the ranks of the long-term unemployed from Tanith Dodge, HR Director at Marks and Spencer, and will be attended by HR Directors and Chief Executives from a number of large private sector employers.

Stephanie Bird, Director of Public Policy at the CIPD, said: “Despite the challenging economic climate and rising unemployment, many parts of the private sector continue to hire. Employers tell us that they’re still struggling to find the right people, with the right skills, to fill their vacancies. Engaging in the welfare-to-work agenda can provide access to an untapped stream of willing and able employees, who can repay the faith shown in them with real energy and commitment in the workplace.

“There are moral arguments and obligations to the wider community that can motivate employers to engage with welfare-to-work. But ultimately there is a compelling business case for finding ways to unlock the enthusiasm and potential of young people who’ve been deprived of an opportunity to shine. HR professionals have a crucial role to play in determining the success of efforts to get people off welfare and back into work. The CIPD will continue to work with employers and government to ensure that the profession we represent is best able to fulfil this role”.

The Rt Hon Iain Duncan Smith MP, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, said:
“I would urge those businesses that haven’t done so already to consider getting involved in the Work Programme or to offer work experience places or apprenticeships. There is a lot of new support available for business through the Youth Contract so get involved now and we have a real opportunity to make a difference to young people’s lives.”

Andrew Dutton, CEO, A4e, said:
“The Work Programme provides huge opportunities for businesses of all sizes to find and nurture real talent, support local people back into work and help local economies grow. As one of the prime providers of the WP we are seeing a real pool of talent out there. Key employers are already signed up to the opportunities offered and working with us to help people fulfil their working potential. The unemployed, their families and their communities deserve all our support and the business case is absolutely clear.”
 

Your CIPD Press Team

  Press Office Team
  Tel: +44 (0)20 8612 6400
  Email: press@cipd.co.uk

  Robert Blevin, Head of External Affairs
  Tel: +44 (0)20 8612 6403
  Mobile: +44 (0)7793 256 763

  Katy Askew, Media Relations Manager
  Tel: +44 (0)20 8612 6405
  Mobile: +44 (0)7872 403 572

Directory of Experts


View all our experts

Join us on