Employers across York and North Yorkshire can access free, expert support to create more inclusive job opportunities, as £1.1 million programme launches for its second year.
York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority has launched a second year of the Employer Support Programme, building on the successful first year that supported 220 businesses. Seven specialist organisations have been commissioned to provide tailored support in areas including HR, workplace wellbeing and neurodiversity.
Flexible support options will include workshops and one-to-one advise, designed to meet the specific needs of each business will be offered, as requested by businesses.
David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, said:
This programme is helping to break down barriers for people looking for work and supporting people to succeed in their current roles. It’s providing employers with the tools they need to build inclusive, thriving workplaces right across our county.
Suzanne Eusman, Head of Employment Services - Autism Plus, one of the programme’s delivery organisations, said:
Through our Inclusive Futures Employer Support Programme, we bring specialist expertise in supporting autistic and neurodivergent people, alongside a strong focus on helping employers build the skills and confidence to work more inclusively and make the most of this talent.
We take a practical, hands-on and bespoke approach, working alongside employers to understand their business needs and tailor support accordingly.
This includes reviewing recruitment processes, delivering targeted training and offering workplace assessments to help create environments where neurodivergent employees can thrive.
All seven delivery organisations will take part in a series of webinars for employers to find out more about support they can provide, taking place June 29, 30 and July 1.
The Employer Support Programme is part of the Get Britain Working Economic Inactivity Trailblazer, also led by the Combined Authority. Using funding from the Department for Work and Pensions, the trailblazer’s three aims are to: engage and support people out of work due to ill health, work with employers to help them provide good work opportunities and develop ways in which networks of systems and services can be joined up.
Full details of a second year of trailblazer activity are to be announced soon.
For links to Employer Support Programme providers, and details of the upcoming webinars, visit the Combined Authority’s Work and Skills Interchange website: https://interchange.yorknorthyorks-ca.gov.uk/trailblazer/employer-support-programme/
