The Fairer Futures Programme – Creating employment opportunities for young people in the West Midlands
Youth unemployment is on the rise in the UK, and the West Midlands is feeling the effects. In Walsall, where Your Co-op has traded since 1886, almost 9.2% of the population are claiming benefits compared to 5% across the UK, and 22% of 16–64-year-olds are classed as economically inactive.
The Fairer Futures Programme was launched as a groundbreaking collaboration between Your Co-op and social enterprise Miss Macaroon to tackle this challenge, and help local young people overcome barriers to employment.
Working together with local employers, The Fairer Futures Programme aims to help create opportunities to transform and empower the lives of young people who are facing challenges in finding long-term employment. These can range from overcoming social anxiety, the impact of disability or ill health, having spent time in prison, or issues around childcare.
