Bournemouth Council and Job Centre Plus have made an agreement to keep businesses local by employing direct labour, renting machinery, and hiring operators from firms in the Bournemouth area.
They also aim to help young people get employment and provide them with placements for work experience.
Local subcontractors will be offered support in becoming part of a group training association.
David McArthur, Wessex Account Manager of Job Centre Plus, said; “This agreement is part of a wide range of positive partnerships with employers across Dorset and the South West, and we welcome the full range of job opportunities being created. Harnessing talent in the local area can only be beneficial to the construction industry as a whole in Bournemouth.”
Bournemouth Development Company was the first to sign the agreement on Wednesday.
Spokesperson Jenna Fansa said: “We believe regeneration goes far beyond the building work we carry out. As well as delivering projects which create trade for local companies we think it’s important for Bournemouth’s economy that local firms are appointed to help. Though there may be times when we’ll need to turn to more specialised national firms, Bournemouth has a wealth of skilled workers and we’ll be working with them as much as possible.”
Tony Williams, Chief Executive of Bournemouth Borough Council, was very enthusiastic that the first company had signed the agreement. He said: “I am delighted that The Bournemouth Development Company has signed up to the Local Employment & Skills agreement. This voluntary agreement is our commitment to the residents and businesses of Bournemouth that wherever possible we will do our utmost to ensure big companies employ direct labour locally and use the services of local businesses.”
Picture © Copyright Clive Nicholson and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.singe
