Meg's Hackney Gazette Column: Breaking barriers to work

A good job is life changing. Financial security, purpose, self-development and social connection are just some of the benefits when people find a job that’s right for them.

However, there are too many barriers to work, meaning that people can find it really difficult to find any job, let alone one that provides these benefits. In Hackney South and Shoreditch, 7.4% of working age people are claiming unemployment related benefits.

A lack of flexible work is a big issue, particularly for those with childcare commitments. The Government is taking action to support people with childcare - from September this year, working parents of children aged nine months and older can apply for up to 30 hours of free childcare per week until their child reaches school age. In this month’s spending review the Chancellor confirmed the roll out of breakfast clubs and school-based nursery places.

The digital divide is another significant barrier to work. I recently heard from an employer that halfway through an online interview, the applicant had to run out to top up their electricity meter so that they didn’t lose wifi connection. Not all job seekers have the IT and internet access that is often taken for granted by employers.

Increasingly, employers are doing the initial stage of recruitment online, with algorithms dictating success or failure before employers meet applicants. Those unfamiliar with this type of process may not include certain “buzz words” or structure their answers in the required way, and will therefore inevitably fall at the first hurdle.

These barriers mean that too many people are shut out from job opportunities. This is bad for individuals, and bad for employers, who benefit hugely from a diverse workforce and a wide talent pool. I see everyday in my own job how different perspectives and expertise lead to better outcomes.

I am working with Jobcentre Plus and Hackney Council to bring employers into Hackney’s communities. We recently hosted a Jobs Fair at the Morningside Community Centre, where local employers met job seekers face to face to discuss available opportunities. There was a great turn out, with lots of connections made on the day. I’ll be hosting similar events around Hackney in the coming months.