The North East has been hit hard by the economic downturn, and the new ESF round is designed to focus on groups particularly affected: young NEETs, the over 50s, and those furthest from the labour market. At the same time opportunities for recovery will be supported by more resources for intermediate skills in potential growth areas, with the region being one of only two low-carbon economic areas and with particular expertise in printable electronics and bio-processing.
North East
ESF 2011-2013
Main priorities and issues
Youth unemployment and NEETs are high priorities, driven by rapidly worsening employment levels. A higher proportion of work will be commissioned for these groups, including a focus on transition between 14-19 services and those aimed at adults.
At the same time those most disadvantaged in the labour market will continue to be supported, using ESF's ability to offer specialised, enhanced and complementary services alongside domestic programmes; the plan foresees the need for innovation in working methods in this area.
The plan for Priority 2 looks beyond the current downturn towards strengthening the region's opportunities in growth sectors, a strategy heavily influenced by the Regional Employability Framework.
This means an increased proportion of support for Level 3 and higher-level skills in potential growth sectors - analysis shows a clear gap in the high-level skills needed to exploit potential. This includes a strong emphasis on low-carbon industries. The region has a strong potential competitive advantage, building on its status as a low-carbon economic area, with significant offshore wind potential and technological leads in printable electronics and bio-processing.
Entrepreneurialism and business support also feature in Priority 2, with provision sought to strengthen the under-pressure small business sector and encourage start-ups where opportunities exist.
Funding allocations for 2011-2013
| Total | Priority 1 | Priority 2 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007-2010 | £99m | £64m | £35m |
| 2011-2013 | £95m | £62.5m | £32.5 |
- Spending allocations remain as in the first phase of ESF for Priority 1, with 4.5% ring fenced for young people
- In Priority 2, a higher proportion for Level 3 and above (33.4% from 23%) has been allocated by reducing Levels 1 and 2 from 36% to 33.3%
CFOs
- Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)
- Skills Funding Agency
- National Offender Management Service (NOMS)
Projects featured on ESF-Works relevant to the above priorities
- ESP Sunderland
- Taxi 'Train Work Train' Routeway: Teesside Wearside
- Working Links Middlesbrough
- CCP: Van Hee
Links
North East European Social Fund Framework 2007-2013
Regional news
Increasing Environmental Sustainability; an interview with Sally Hancox and Paul Burns from Gentoo Green
Gentoo is currently working to reduce the energy impact of its housing stock, and is also involved in raising awareness of carbon footprints among both staff and tenants.
Recently added
The following projects have recently been added for this region. Click on one to find out more.
Taxi ‘Train Work Train’ Routeway: Teesside Wearside
A coalition of partners working in Tees Valley, Durham and Wearside are providing opportunities for people from a wide variety of backgrounds and who are currently without work to retrain as taxi drivers.
ESF Horizon
Aimed at participants ranging from the recently redundant to the hardest to reach, A4e offers a range of support, carefully adapted to the unique needs and particular barriers of each individual, emphasising the importance of skills and qualifications.
ESP Sunderland
The ESP project is co-financed by ESF and LSC, with deliverable outcomes and an income generated revenue of up to £1million.
View all projects in this region
