The Cabinet considered a report of the Deputy Chief Executive (Place) updating Members on the development of a Skills and Labour Market Strategy for Southend-on-Sea 2018-2022.

Resolved:

That the Towards a Skills and Labour Market Strategy for Southend-on-Sea, attached at appendix 1 to the submitted report, for wider consultation, be approved.

Reasons for Decision

The strategy aims to improve the Southend skills support landscape, raise ambition and skills levels, increase employment opportunities in local jobs and enable economic growth through equipping residents with the skills needed by business.  A clear strategy for the Council and its stakeholders will play an integral role in maximising the benefit realised by local residents facilitating economic growth.

Other Options

Decide not to pursue the development of a Skills and Labour Market Strategy and allow the market to continue as it is.  The result of this would be an absence of community leadership on the subject and a lack of response to the issues identified in the first stage consultation and assessment.

Note: This is an Executive function

Eligible call in to: Place Scrutiny Committee

Executive Councillor: Holland