Issue - meetings

            The Board received a report of the Strategic Director, Policy and Resources, which informed Members of recent national policy announcements relevant to employment, learning and skills.

            It was noted that a steady flow of policy announcements, consultation exercises, reports and ministerial statements were issued by government departments and agencies with varying degrees of relevance to issues on the employment, learning and skills agenda and related topics.

            The report set out brief summaries of key announcements as follows:

·         results of Portas Pilot rounds 1 & 2;

·         Queen’s speech;

·         Beecroft report on employment law;

·         talent march;

·         apprenticeships;

·         universal jobmatch;

·         2011 census; and

·         welfare reforms – universal credit.

            In relation to welfare reforms, Members queried the amount of residents that would be affected by this.  In response it was noted that an answer would be sought from the Revenues and Benefits section and reported to Board Members.  Members commented that they would welcome a seminar covering all the issues arising from the welfare reforms.

            RESOLVED: That the report be noted and the provision of a seminar on welfare reforms be explored.