Launch of ERSA Manifesto 2015: Five principles for tackling long term unemployment

ERSA has today (19 September) launched its manifesto for 2015, outlining five key principles for tackling long term unemployment.

ERSA is calling on all political parties to adopt the five key principles outlined in the ERSA manifesto to better support long term unemployed jobseekers. If adopted, ERSA strongly believes these principles will allow for a more personalised approach to support for the most complex jobseekers by improving access to skills support for those entering and progressing in work, and crucially, preventing young people from becoming long term unemployed in the first place. 

The key principles in the manifesto are:

1. Commission employment services for the long term unemployed reflecting the needs of jobseekers and business.
2. Ensure sufficient support is available for jobseekers with the most complex needs
3. Place skills at the heart of the system both for those out of work and progressing in work
4. Meet the needs of employers
5. Prevent youth unemployment

ERSA’s manifesto builds upon the recommendations contained in ERSA’s publication Evolution not Revolution which was developed following an extensive consultation process including input from over 90 organisations including prime contractors of major government programmes, specialist charity providers, housing association an local authorities amongst others.

ERSA Chief Executive, Kirsty McHugh, said:

“We are proud to be launching ERSA’s manifesto today, which sets out five key principles for future back to work schemes.

“Employment support is too important to become a political football.  We are asking all parties to commit to  these principles in the design of future back to work schemes in order to benefit jobseekers and employers alike.”

Ends

Press enquiries should be directed to Anna Robin 07912 569 449 /anna.robin@ersa.org.uk.

Notes to Editors

1. The Employment Related Services Association (ERSA) is the sector body for those delivering or with an interest in employment support services. 
2. ERSA’s membership spans the private, voluntary and public sectors and ranges from large multi-nationals through to small specialist charities.  It has over 170 members, including all prime contractors of the Work Programme. The majority of its members are not for profit.
3. The full ERSA Manifesto 2015 can be found here.