Issue - meetings

To receive the report of the Director Net Zero & City Management.

Agreed:

RESOLVED that:-

(1)        research be commissioned using existing financial resources to refresh the Skills Strategy evidence base, with a particular focus on the impact of the pandemic on the skills base and labour market in Exeter; and

(2)        the Exeter Skills Action Plan for January 2021 - March 2022, Appendix 1 be approved to address the immediate known impacts of the Pandemic on businesses and residents and demonstrating that all proposed actions link clearly to an area of the Building Exeter Back Better Recovery Plan and also contribute to the Clean Growth agenda.

Reason for Decision: As set out in the report.

The Executive received the report updating progress on the delivery of the Skills Strategy since its approval in April 2020 and setting out the action plan for the period January 2021 - March 2022.

The Skills and Business Manager made particular reference to the following:-

·       the need to refresh the evidence base and data of the Strategy in light of the impact of the Pandemic and national restrictions on business, the work force and the labour market in Exeter;

·       the launch of Exeter Works, both as an on-line resource as well as a physical hub in the city centre, to provide support and guidance to people through the redundancy process and helping provide training and to develop skills;

·       helping businesses access the Government’s Kick Start Scheme to support young people (16-24) in to six month work placements, including the placements on offer in Exeter City Council departments; and

·       a joint bid with Devon County Council to the Department of Work and Pensions to specifically support young people who had been particularly affected by the Pandemic to offer training and education and to help find jobs. This would form part of the offer in the Exeter Works Hub.

Members welcomed and supported the report, especially the initiatives to help young people. Reference was also made to the support from partner organisations particularly the Chamber of Commerce, Devon County Council, the Citizens Advice Bureau and the Exeter City Community Trust.

RESOLVED that:-

(1)        research be commissioned using existing financial resources to refresh the Skills Strategy evidence base, with a particular focus on the impact of the pandemic on the skills base and labour market in Exeter; and

(2)        the Exeter Skills Action Plan for January 2021 - March 2022, Appendix 1 be approved to address the immediate known impacts of the Pandemic on businesses and residents and demonstrating that all proposed actions link clearly to an area of the Building Exeter Back Better Recovery Plan and also contribute to the Clean Growth agenda.