European Structural Funds

London Development Agency
LDA/ESF Co-Financed Projects Case Study

The London Development Agency (LDA) is the Mayor's agency, responsible for driving London's sustainable economic growth. We work to deliver the Mayor's vision for London to be a sustainable world city with strong, long-term economic growth, social inclusion and active environmental improvement.

What's the Project all about?

OSWP provides disadvantaged jobseekers with the opportunity to develop employability skills that will facilitate their entry into the labour market.

In addition, project beneficiaries are able to undertake basic skills qualifications that will further improve their employment prospects.  Prior to moving into employment beneficiaries are able to undertake a period of work experience, which prepares them for open employment.

The project commenced in the autumn of 2006 and runs through to summer 2008. It is targeting people from across London, but has a significant presence in the West sub-region.

Project Manager Iain Murray comments:

“The combination of ESF & LDA funding provides an excellent opportunity for disadvantaged Londoners to actively improve their prospects by developing the basic employability skills that employers expect all candidates to possess.  We are pleased to be working in partnership with the LDA to deliver this project”.

One Step Work Placements (OSWP)

Ms E had been unemployed for 25 years prior to attending the programme. Although she was very keen to return to the labour market, she had an immense lack of confidence and nor real career direction.  It was therefore very pleasing that Ms E was able to show great commitment and desire to progress into the labour market. Ms E was unsure of her career goals and, because of the length of time she had been unemployed, her facilitator discussed the various options available to her and how to access them.

It was clear that Ms E’s pro-longed absence from the labour market meant she required support in developing employment skills such as team work and work place communication.  These were developed through the project’s integrated employment programme and in order for Ms E to regain her confidence a work placement was arranged for her.

Ms E was keen to work in retail and the project facilitators secured a work attachment with a retail outlet in a busy shopping centre.  She flourished in the position and because of her excellent attitude and good performance, a permanent part time position was offered to her. In addition, Ms E also completed the project’s integrated employment programme. The project staff are continuing to monitor Ms E’s progress in her job and, as part of its on-going support, they will be available to discuss any issues of concern that may arise.  After a while discussions will be made with the employer and Ms E around the opportunity for full-timeemployment.

Further Information: Getting Involved

If you are interested in European Structural Funds and would like to find out more on ESF or ERDF and the other European Funds visit www.go-london.gov.uk/europeanprogramme or call