Plymouth's Plan creates almost 900 jobs
Positive progress, better prospects for many of our city’s young people and almost 900 jobs in the bag – these are the latest results for Plymouth’s Plan for Jobs, according to Plymouth City Council.
The city’s combined response to a period of economic uncertainty has been put under the spotlight at the Working Plymouth scrutiny panel which took place on Wednesday 6 November.
So far, over 861 jobs are now in existence, thanks to projects in the plan that was designed to:
- Create jobs for local people by unlocking or speeding up major development projects, including housing
- Help the city’s unemployed gain skills and experience to help them get work as well as retain talented graduates
- Proactively sell the city, its businesses, its products and its people
- Unlock access to finance and provide support to enable jobs growth
- Use the Council’s assets, influence and buying power to increase jobs by using local supply chains and local goods where possible
The panel was told that 14 of the 19 projects were well underway and the plan already delivering ahead of target – even though it is less than half way through its life.
Plymouth’s 1000 Club has been the ‘undoubted star’, the committee heard with its target over two years of 430 already smashed with 570 opportunities for young people. Other success stories include:
- The Theatre Royal regeneration programme is almost complete and has led to 60 jobs so far
- Strong growth from businesses under the GAIN umbrella - the Growth, Acceleration and Investment Network. The Tamar Science Park is 80 per cent occupied and so far 61 new jobs created
- 53 jobs achieved by actively increasing inward investment
- 16 jobs created in small and medium term businesses thanks to loans and support through Outset Finance
Leader of Plymouth City Council, Tudor Evans said: “Hats off to all the partners and businesses that have helped this plan make such a difference already.
“The jobs created through this plan are far more than figures on a table. It’s about giving young people a chance, about giving them valuable work experience at a time when doors are shutting elsewhere.
“But I also want to stress this is not just for school leavers and graduates. Work gives people a sense of worth and pride. It keeps families together, puts more money in people’s pockets and means they spend their cash in local businesses. That’s why we are so keen to make business our business; it’s good for the city and those that live and work here.”
Many projects are Council-led, including working to unlock land and major projects, paving the way for construction jobs as well as more long-term work opportunities. As a major employer, purchaser of products and services and community leader, the Council will work to ensure it buys more locally.
It is also working more closely with more businesses than ever before – helping companies to apply for significant funding.
Details of all 19 projects can be found at www.plymouth.gov.uk/plansforjobs
