A new Burnley Together project ‘Steps to Employment’ is set to help unemployed Burnley residents improve their job prospects by delivering much-needed tailored skills and employment support in partnership with local businesses.
The project will be delivered by Calico Enterprise, and is funded through the UK’s Shared Prosperity Fund, central to the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda which is providing £2.6 billion of funding for local investments by March 2025.
As part of the funding, Burnley Borough Council have been allocated just under £3.5 million. Nearly £1 million will be going towards people and skills support which will be targeted through Burnley Together to provide help for residents who are classed as ‘economically inactive’.
This includes those who want a job, but have not recently sought work, and those who are the most disengaged and are facing additional barriers to employment such as physical and mental health and caring responsibilities.
Sam Howarth, head of skills, training and employability for Calico Enterprise, said:
“This project is an opportunity to show what Burnley does really well; organisations coming together to help potentially 500 residents or more to increase their chances of getting a job.
“We know employment is a major factor in people’s health and wellbeing, and we want to ensure those who are trying to find work but have previously struggled, have all the support they need to get there.”
A range of partner organisations including; Burnley College, BPRCVS, Child Action North West, New Era Enterprises, Newground Together and The Princes Trust have committed to engage and support people through the project, by providing one to one support, group support, and activities, and training – all designed to build confidence and tackle barriers that might currently be preventing people from finding work.
Councillor Mark Townsend, Burnley Council’s Executive Member for Economy and Growth added: “No one in our borough should ever feel that they are at a dead end. By helping them into work, this project will help residents build greater security for themselves and their families. At a time of rising household costs, this investment is particularly important.”
For more information or help accessing the project, please contact KIsherwood@calico.org.uk
