The steady drop in unemployment is a good news story for the UK. Not only does our economy thrive when more people are earning a living, but not being in work impacts peoples’ income, health and happiness. Yet not everyone with the desire to work is able to gain appropriate, meaningful employment.
This is particularly the case for people with complex lives or additional support needs including disabled people, refugees, care leavers, ex-offenders, veterans, single parents and people who are homeless.
There are two main challenges faced by people who want to work, but can’t find a job. Firstly, knocking through the inevitable barriers they face from prospective employers, and secondly, a lack of confidence when taking on a new challenge.
But when given the right support and opportunities, it’s possible for anyone to thrive. A growing movement of social entrepreneurs is creating work from these hidden talents.
Video: Harry Specters
We have supported over 900 social entrepreneurs tackling access to employment
In 2016/17 our social entrepreneurs created 25,597 jobs, volunteering and training opportunities
We’ve helped 32 social ventures tackling employment to raise £2.3m of investment
Social entrepreneurs struggle to get access to the right kind of finance and find sustainable revenue streams to scale up their social venture. Likewise, finding routes in to sell to the public sector is a significant challenge due to commissioning structures and commissioners’ low appetite for risk. A general lack of awareness around social entrepreneurship compounds these challenges.
Social entrepreneurs need to be seen as a legitimate and effective way of providing access to employment for those distant from the labour market.
Between 2017-2020 we will be addressing the challenges in four key ways:
Alongside our focus areas we run award programmes. These are designed to attract award winners from particular areas such as geography, age range or background. They have the same model as our other awards.
We host a series of events throughout the UK each year. From classes and conferences, seminars and workshops to networking events and training sessions.
Looking for financial guidance? Want to sharpen your marketing skills? Access our range of guides in the learning area..