Councillor welcomes new drive for local employment in construction

The Local Employment and Training Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) helps in securing local labour agreements when a new development over a certain size is proposed.  The refreshed SPD will also apply to commercial developments that create at least 25 jobs and residential schemes of ten or more homes.

Initiatives will promote the construction sector and raise awareness of apprenticeships, T Levels and upskilling opportunities.  Developments creating 25+ new jobs will be required to participate in pre-employment programmes for the unemployed with guaranteed interviews for those who complete the training.  Primary and secondary school construction events together with training and development support to local SMEs are also proposed.

Councillor Peter Diplock, Cabinet Member for Planning, said: "In our planning authority role, it is very important that we use our powers to support local businesses in the construction sector and hand in hand with that, do all we can to encourage the next generation of talent into the industry.

"We're going to continue to work closely with education and training partners, including visits for schools, and support dedicated events that champion apprenticeship opportunities."

The consultation will run for eight weeks and comments are welcomed online through the council's online portal, by email and by post.  Full details of these options will be made available soon.

Councillor Diplock added: "I hope as many people as possible who have an interest in this key policy will take part in the consultation and help us ensure the SPD achieves the positive outcomes we want to see."

Published on March 21, 2024.

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