A cross-Berkshire business survey launches today (Monday) to understand the priorities and concerns of businesses.
The government's "Get Britain Working" white paper sets out a different approach to the employment support system, based on the unique needs of local communities. This work also links to the central mission of driving economic growth, by ensuring there is a pipeline of skilled workers to fuel business success and also supports the long-term government ambition of an 80% employment rate.
Connect to Work is one of the government programmes in England and Wales underpinning this ambition. It is designed to help disabled people, those with health conditions and people with complex barriers to employment, to find sustainable work.
The six Berkshire councils are working together to build a picture of business needs and concerns, as well as to introduce the opportunities around Connect to Work.
Businesses are asked to complete the short survey, share their views and say if their business could be an employer champion and support people facing barriers into work.
Will Tuckley, Chief Executive of Slough Borough Council, said: “Hearing directly from businesses is important so we can get a full picture of some of the challenges they face and any concerns they have.
“Completing the survey gives businesses the chance to feedback to us and to share their expertise and knowledge, ensuring our support is focused on the needs of business whilst helping our residents either get into or remain in work. We hope we can encourage as many businesses as possible to become employer champions to help those facing barriers into employment, and to help the employees thrive and develop new skills.
“Slough has a fantastic business community, and the right potential candidates would be well supported to find a role suitable for them.”
The Berkshire councils will be working closely with the DWP, health services and local businesses to identify suitable employment opportunities for candidates. The hope is that by working closely with employers they can not only create meaningful work opportunities but can also help businesses across Berkshire address their staff shortages.
By providing a flexible and inclusive workplace, businesses can:
- reduce recruitment and increase staff retention
- boost staff morale and employee engagement
- tap into alternative markets (e.g. the purple pound) and deliver against their corporate social responsibilities.
The council has worked to support Educate 2gether Training Limited.
Emma Kiernan, CEO, said: “We greatly value the ongoing support Slough Borough Council has provided to our organisations, particularly in our shared commitment to training and supporting residents who have been economically inactive. Through ESFA funding, Tailored Learning and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, we have been able to deliver high-quality, sector-specific training in education, early years, and business administration — helping individuals gain the skills, confidence, and qualifications they need to succeed.
“Following completion of the training with Educate 2gether Training Limited, residents are offered an interview with our sister company, Worldwide Education Recruitment. If successful, they are placed into employment across the Slough and Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead areas.
“This joined-up approach — from funded training through to real job opportunities — has led to positive, long-term outcomes for residents and supports the local workforce in sectors with ongoing demand. Our partnership with Slough Borough Council is a strong example of how collaboration between local authorities and businesses can make a meaningful impact on people’s lives and the wider community."
The survey should take no more than 10 -15 minutes to complete and responses will be used to inform programmes of business and economic growth in Berkshire including the Connect to Work programme.