Decision details

The Service Director, Community Services provided the Cabinet with the proposed Rhondda Cynon Taf Employment Strategy and Action Plan for 2019-2021.      

The Service Director drew Members’ attention to Section 6 of the report, where the Employment and Skills Strategy, which had been agreed by the Strategic Employment Group, was outlined. The report indicated that in 2018/19, 6500 people who were economically inactive identified that they wanted a job.

It was explained that increasing employability is essential to improving prosperity and reducing inequality. The Service Director stated that people are less likely to live in poverty if they are in employment and if they can sustain and progress in employment and that short-term unemployment can have a significant long-term impact on an individual’s financial security and wellbeing.

The Service Director referred Members to the Action Plan, which detailed the actions that the Council will implement to contribute to achieve the strategy.

Members were informed that both the Strategy and Action Plan had been considered by the Finance and Performance Scrutiny Committee in November 2019 and that the Members were supportive of the recommendation to approve their implementation.

The Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities, Well-being and Cultural Services thanked the officer for the comprehensive report. The Cabinet Member commented on the value of the Employment Strategy, alongside the Tackling Poverty Strategy, which are key for the residents of RCT.

It was RESOLVED:

1.    To approve the Employment Strategy and Action Plan 2019/21.