ESF 2011-2013
Main priorities and issues
Priority 1 in the West Midlands will continue to target high-priority disadvantaged and excluded groups, which are over represented in the region compared to other parts of the country. Within the target groups are several specific priorities, including Bangladeshi and Pakistani women, older workers, and NEETs, particularly from ethnic minority groups. Others in line for specific provision include disabled people and people with health conditions (e.g. long-term mental health conditions), lone parents, ex-offenders and offenders, and those furthest from the labour market, especially the economically inactive, those not on benefits (such as carers), unemployed graduates, and those at risk of redundancy.
Priority 2 will be increasing support for Level 2 and Level 3 skills, with a significantly higher focus on higher skills in the region, particularly those related to identified sectors with growth potential. Additional measures seek to reduce gender segregation in the workforce and develop managers and workers in small enterprises. Other groups targeted for specific skills development include low-skilled workers, those needing basic skills, and the self-employed; disabled people and people with health issues; workers from ethnic minority groups; older workers; and those facing redundancy
The framework features a significant degree of geographic targeting, including hotspots for NEET and urban worklessness, and rural areas, which have seen significant rises in unemployment but very limited opportunities for jobs. Identified employment opportunities in regional strategies feature, along with regeneration zones and high tech corridors along with 20 'Impact Investment' locations
Priority business sectors focus on higher-tech industries, those with employment growth potential and linked to the low carbon economy, and include aerospace, automotive, building technology, environmental technology, ICT, medical technology, screen image, and sound. Other target sectors feature because of their existing significance for the region, including business and professional services, food and drink, high value added consumer products, manufacturing, rail, and leisure and tourism.
Funding allocations for 2011-2013
|
Total | Priority 1 | Priority 2 |
| 2007-2010 |
£154.6m |
£99.9m |
£54.7m |
| 2011-2013 |
£128.1m |
£82.7m |
£45.4m |
In the new programming period, at least 70% of Priority 1 is intended for employment and skills of unemployed and inactive people, with at least 23% for NEET and at risk of NEET. Up to 2.5% of Priority 1 is also for small grants to community groups.
At least 30% of Priority 2 is targeted on foundation level and basic skills, at least 30% of Priority 2 for progression to level 2 and level 2 training, and an increase to 40% of Priority 2 for level 3 and above.
CFOs
Projects featured on ESF-Works relevant to the above priorities
Links
West Midlands European Social Fund Regional Strategic Framework 2011-2013
