Welcome to the West Midlands Employer Coalition. My name is Mike Beasley and, for the past ten years it has been my privilege to chair the Employer Coalition here in the West Midlands.
The Coalition, which comprises a number of local business people and senior representatives from partner organizations, works to support Jobcentre Plus meet its operational objectives by promoting the recruitment of some of the most disadvantaged people in our community. In recent years we have had significant success at piloting innovative employment initiatives that have helped single parents, people from the most disenfranchised black and minority ethnic communities, people with criminal records and people with disabilities.
We are currently working with partners to assist young people; offenders; homeless people; older people and those suffering from health conditions to get back into the labour market by accessing training and finding job opportunities.
 I am passionate in my belief that all of these different groups of people deserve a chance to maximize their potential. They also deserve the very best help and support that can be provided. I have long held the view that employers must be encouraged and welcomed to play a part in adding to the design and running of publicly funded provision in training and finding employment. These services must reflect the needs of local employers as well those of unemployed people if they are to emerge as “job-ready”.
To achieve this we need your help. You can participate in a wide variety of ways to suit your own skills, needs and available time. So if you’re an employer – large or small – and you’d like to learn more or become involved in our work – please contact us.
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