Tackling in work poverty by

supporting progression into better paid jobs

Approximately 625,000 Londoners are paid below the London Living Wage and numbers are rising. Also, an estimated 571,000 Londoners have been stuck in low paid jobs for a year or more. Low paid workers face significant challenges in terms of work progression including access to affordable (or in-work) training, low confidence levels and language barriers.

Under Universal Credit low-paid workers will be required to increase their earnings and London’s European Social Fund already includes a focus on in-work progression. There are growing incentives to develop progression programmes but still very little is known about “what works”.

Step Up is a two year initiative piloting 6 new approaches to help low paid workers move to better jobs in Lambeth and neighbouring boroughs. The programme is funded by Trust for London and the Walcot Foundation and evaluated by the Learning & Work Institute.

At the “half way mark” we are pleased to share learning from service providers, employers, workers and commissioners on:

• How to engage and support clients who are already in work
• How employers can benefit from supporting progression
• An update on the European Social Fund in-work progression programme
• What Universal Credit pilots tell us about the future of conditionality and in-work support

Speakers include:

• Dr Lubomira Anastassova-Chirmiciu – EU Programmes Manager ESF, GLA
• William Harwood - JCP Partnership Manager Southwark, DWP
• Tony Wilson - Director of Policy & Research, Learning and Work Institute

and the organisations delivering the pilot projects:

• Creative Society, High Trees Community Development Trust, Indoamerican Refugee and Migrant Organisation (IRMO), Thames Reach, Timewise Foundation, The Springboard Charity

This event is for: employment support providers, local authorities, commissioners, employers and all with an interest in tackling in-work poverty.

The event is FREE, but places are limited so early booking is recommended.