The Employment and Enterprise Partnership Action Board met on Tuesday 6th December 2011 to discuss the labour market, job opportunities, and physical regeneration in Newham. Key discussions included the impact of Westfield Stratford City on local employment, progress on Olympic legacy projects, and significant regeneration plans across the borough.

Labour Market Update

Adrian May presented an update on the labour market, noting that the employment rate was at its lowest since 2005. However, he contextualised this by highlighting the significant employment achieved at Westfield Stratford City. While there was success in moving people off Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA), the high churn rate in Newham was also noted, with the borough having the highest JSA claimant count in London, although this was reportedly decreasing. Councillor Neil Wilson inquired about specific data for Black Afro/Caribbean claimants, and Jane Sherwood confirmed that some incomplete data from Workplace was available, with Adrian May agreeing to investigate further. Councillor Wilson also mentioned successes in placing young people into work, with 45% of jobs at Westfield going to Newham residents, many of whom were young. Councillor Alec Kellaway requested that headline figures for the issues raised in the report be provided.

Workplace, Westfield and Games Time Job Opportunities

Jane Sherwood reported on job opportunities related to Workplace, Westfield, and the Olympic Games. She stated that 2,200 residents were working at Westfield Stratford City, with 48% of these individuals being under 25 years old. Despite a decrease in footfall at Westfield, turnover had increased. Recruitment for the Olympic Games was ongoing, primarily through contractors, and the number of security jobs for the Games had doubled. Workplace was actively assisting individuals seeking employment, and anyone in need of work was encouraged to contact them. Julia Bollam highlighted the significant success of Workplace, a sentiment echoed by Liam Kane, who thanked the Workplace team. Jane Sherwood attributed Workplace's success partly to Westfield's commitment to local recruitment, noting that 82% of John Lewis staff at Westfield had E postcodes. Liam Kane also commended Jobcentre Plus for their contribution. Councillor Alec Kellaway raised concerns about high unemployment and the challenge for companies like Siemens to emulate Westfield's local recruitment efforts. Rosie Holcroft added that the Olympic Park Legacy Company (OPLC) Welcome Pack contained information on achievements to date.

OPLC Indicative Phasing and Early Projects

Rosie Holcroft and Paolo Nistri provided a verbal update on the indicative phasing and early projects of the Olympic Park Legacy Company (OPLC). They explained that key legacy building blocks would be established before the Olympic Games. It was anticipated that 8,000 jobs would be created, though the final figure would depend on tenant occupancy. Targets to enhance legacy were embedded into procurement contracts. Welcome packs had been developed to direct businesses to local support resources, including local businesses and schools. A labour forecast model was being used to analyse investment needs for work programmes, with information being shared with other boroughs and colleges. Steve Cameron emphasised the importance of establishing forums and relationships with schools and colleges, a point Paolo Nistri agreed with, stating that work was ongoing in this area. Liam Kane inquired about progress with other boroughs, and Rosie Holcroft confirmed that work was underway with all six host boroughs. Paolo Nistri stated that the findings of the labour forecast model would be shared, and OPLC would work collaboratively.

Physical Regeneration Update

Jo Negrini presented an update on physical regeneration in Newham, highlighting significant areas of change and improved connectivity. Manor Park, for instance, would soon be a 14-minute Crossrail journey from Tottenham Court Road. Much of the land in these areas is publicly owned, with a considerable portion already developed for housing.

Royal Docks

The London Development Agency (LDA) is a major landowner in the Royal Docks. Siemens is the first significant company to establish a presence there. A cable car, part-funded by Emirates Airline, will connect the area across the river, aiming to create an attractive and well-connected destination.

Silvertown Quays

Telecommunications are considered crucial for the success of Silvertown Quays. Three bidders are currently in contention for the redevelopment of the site, with procurement expected by the end of the financial year. Redevelopment plans are also in progress for the Excel complex and its rear, and further expansion of London City Airport is under discussion.

River Thames

The four-star Starwood Hotel is nearing completion. Planning applications have also been submitted for superyachts to be moored in the vicinity.

Canning Town

A new town centre is being developed in Canning Town, creating new job opportunities. Morrisons Supermarket is expected to provide 400 new jobs, and 1,100 new homes are anticipated, with Countryside Properties being one of the residential developers already active in the area.

Stratford

The master plan for Stratford was signed in December 2010, with the objective of integrating all parts of the area. Westfield plays a pivotal role in this plan, contributing to increased employment opportunities for local residents. Liam Kane commended the high level of service provided by local employees he had met at Westfield. Queen Elizabeth Park is 63% located within Newham, and discussions with OPLC are ongoing regarding its post-Games utilisation. Jo Negrini emphasised the council's view that the park is of great significance and requires an ambitious approach to its use. The council has also signed an agreement with University College London (UCL) regarding the Carpenters Neighbourhood, paving the way for further development of an additional campus on this site.

Enterprise Zone

A small section of the Royal Docks has been designated as an Enterprise Zone, although incentives for businesses are subject to restrictions. Effective marketing of the area is considered key to its success. Jo Negrini suggested the possibility of a Tech City Plus area, focusing on life sciences and e-jobs.

In conclusion, Jo Negrini asked the Board to consider how up-skilling could be facilitated and how to maximise the benefits of these challenges and opportunities. Councillor Ted Sparrowhawk requested closer attention to transport, particularly in light of the proposed merger of hospital trusts. Councillor Neil Wilson highlighted Dundee's success in becoming a leading centre for life sciences while simultaneously improving its retail sector. Liam Kane summarised the item by noting that educational gaps, particularly in literacy and numeracy, prevented many individuals from succeeding in the workplace. It was agreed that education would be a topic for discussion at a future Board meeting.

Employment & Enterprise Forward Agenda

The Forward Plan was noted, and the following actions were requested: Linzi Roberts Egan was asked to provide information on current operational learning and skills; Julia Bollam was requested to provide feedback on Skills Conditionality Training; and engagement with universities was also highlighted.

Newham Partnership Forward Plan

The Newham Partnership Plan was noted.

The next meeting of the Employment and Enterprise Partnership Action Board is scheduled for 6th March 2012.