Construction scheme offers jobs to long-term unemployed

Long-term
unemployed in Hackney are set to benefit from an earn as you learn scheme
through a partnership between construction firm Laing and local agencies.

The
Laing Partnership has teamed up with the borough council’s regeneration agency
and Sanctuary Housing Association to help modernise housing using previously
unemployed recruits.

Each
worker will get a six to nine month contract, with a wage of £230 per week
rising to £278, and the chance to achieve a construction-related NVQ.

The
Intermediate Labour Market Scheme will modernise around 1,000 local homes on four
rundown housing estates over the next three years. Those who complete the
initiative and training will also be encouraged to continue in a job within the
Laing Partnership or another contractor.

Mark
Lunn, director of Laing Training which is providing tools, training and
supervision for the scheme said it would improve the local area and help fill
the skills gap in construction: 
"We are offering people the chance of long-term employment as part
of upgrading works in their own community," he said.

The
first recruits are currently learning a range of skills including painting and
decorating, bricklaying and carpentry with numeracy and literacy tuition also
available.

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www.laing-homes.co.uk

By Ross Wigham