Unemployed youngsters funded to join social enterprises

At least 12 social enterprises have won funding in the first round of the government's £1bn Future Jobs Fund, it has been announced.

This will mean new projects launched for some, and rapid growth for others.

Richard Cummings, HR manager of office furniture recycling social enterprise Green Works, said his department managers were 'over the moon' with the news they would have 51 young people on board to drive forward expansion plans.

'In the bulk of cases we are going to employ young people without previous experience as long, as they've got the right attitude,' said Cummings.

'We're happy to train them up, and then when they're off and running give them NVQ qualifications.'

He pointed out that he hoped that the jobs would continue after the funding ended, but if they didn't, at least the young people would leave with qualifications.

In total, 117 organisations were awarded funding in the first round of the government project to create 100,000 jobs for out-of-work under-24-year-olds. Most - 62 - were local authorities.

Social enterprises far outstripped private companies in the amount of contracts won. There were also a number of enterprising charities, housing associations and public sector bodies that gained funding. Some of these will be working in partnership with social enterprises or plan to create jobs within social enterprises. The Humber Economic Partnership, for example, plans to create around 140 jobs with social enterprise partners.

The social enterprises that have won contracts in their own right include well-known names including Green Works, HCT Group, Novas Scarman, FRC Group and Stride. Social Enterprise London has been awarded a contract to employ 200 young people through its member groups.

HCT Group will start up a brand new accessible car service that will help people with disabilities and older people get out and about. The 120 young people funded by the Future Jobs Fund will act as drivers and the scheme will be available in London and Leeds.

The Future Jobs Fund is providing £819,000 while HCT is investing £228,000. HCT CEO Dai Powell believes the scheme will become a sustainable social enterprise.

'It's brilliant that we've got the green light from the Future Jobs Fund. We think that these new jobs will make a real difference to people's lives,' he said.

Cummings said he would 'definitely encourage other social enterprises to go for it' and apply for forthcoming rounds of the Future Jobs Fund.