East of England
The European Social Fund in the East of England is working within an area that contains a rural-urban mix of medium-sized towns and cities, as well as extensive biodiversity with well-established agriculture and coastal ports providing European transport gateways. With an international reputation for centres of knowledge and innovation such as Cambridge and Norwich, the East of England also has pockets of deprivation in both inner cities and remote rural locations. Forecasts indicate that the share of employment requiring no or low qualifications is reducing.
Unemployment is at its highest level since 1996 and areas with higher levels of unemployment prior to the recession - such as Peterborough, Harlow, Basildon, Southend, Castle Point, Thurrock, Luton and Stevenage - have suffered disproportionately. ESF projects in the East of England are tackling the barriers that prevent individuals from participating in the labour market and ensuring that skills and employment opportunities are accessible to all.
Creating a diverse and adaptable workforce by moving from low wage economies to more highly skilled employment is an appropriate strategy to maintain a strong labour market in the East of England, containing one of the highest numbers of small and medium-sized enterprises in the UK. ESF funding in the East of England enables projects that promote innovation, business start-up and entrepreneurship, and deliver strategic training in growth sectors according to the needs of the local economy to create sustainable employment.
ESF projects in the East of England that aim to increase growth in key business sectors include:
- Advantage Luton delivers training for employees of airport-related industries and the creative arts, two sectors targeted for growth in the Luton area
- The Inspiring Women's Enterprise programme offers courses for women interested in starting their own business alongside employment support services across the East of England
- Stepping Stones is a sector-specific employer engagement project, which offers skills development for the low skilled employed person.
