Barnsley Council scheme to improve skills as number of benefit claimants doubles

A scheme to progress the skills of the workforce may be coming to Barnsley, after a successful run in Doncaster.
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A report to Barnsley Council states that the scheme would help the workforce “update their skills to adapt to new opportunities”, as the number of benefit claimants has doubled.

“The impact of covid has been shown in the significant increases seen in benefit claimant numbers which have doubled over the last 12 months to 6.4 per cent, although lower than both the national average 6.5% percent and Yorkshire and the Humber average of 6.7 percent,” the report adds.

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Analysts have warned that the economic recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic will lead to “many insecure, low paid jobs” – which is why a scheme to keep the workforce’s skills up to date is important for Barnsley’s recovery.

Town Hall.Town Hall.
Town Hall.

The ADVANCE scheme was piloted in Doncaster, funding information, advice and guidance for employed people both to help them to navigate changes in the labour market, and develop new skills.

If the report is approved by Barnsley Council’s ruling cabinet, the scheme could do the same for Barnsley residents.

The project will cost £,202,860.86, made up of a grant from the European Social Fund of £721,716.51, and £481,144 from the council.