Labour Market Information and Policy
Gathering and presenting sound, relevant labour market information is an essential part of developing and submitting an ESF project application.
It is recognised that applicants require two types of help in preparing the labour market justification for projects.
• Access to basic statistical data sets on key indicators across Scotland and at Local Authority Level.
• Access to information and documents that provide more detailed interpretation and analysis of data and more locally specific information.
This information is easily accessible through the links below. However If you require any further help or advise in sourcing or analysing LMI data please contact Elaine Whyte on e.whyte@objective3.org
SOURCES OF INFORMATION
There are a range of data bases and sources which can provide sound and relevant Labour Market Information when preparing an ESF project application. Labour Market Information is now available regionally for the East, West and South of Scotland and can be accessed through the links below. These regional LMI sites offer vital information in regards to their geographical area, however they also offer links to other useful national sources of labour market data and analysis. FUTURESKILLS
Futureskills Scotland is a division of Scottish Enterprise. They compile information and numerous easy to use reports on the Scottish Labour Market. The following links offer quick and easy access to specialised areas of information. FUTURESKILLS LINKS
For a national context and overview: www.futureskillsscotland.org.uk
This link takes the user directly to the Home page of Futureskills. This link offers some background and information on the nature and functions of Futureskills. For online access to labour market data which is free at the point of use: www.keyindicators.org.uk
This link takes the user directly to top level indicators of labour market performance. This service provides information over a number of datasets and across nine key themes. The information provided is available at both a unitary authority and a local economic forum level. This service is particularly useful for accessing data for individual areas, comparing results for Structural Fund areas and for comparing Scotland with the UK. For online access to labour market intelligence which is free at the point of use: www.researchonline.org.uk
This link takes the user directly to an extensive database of the latest labour market research taken from a wide range of sources. This service is operational by entering a subject of interest into the search facility, information and links to the most relevant documents will then be listed. LMI MANAGEMENT Throughout the year various regional steering groups are held to discuss the provision of Labour Market Information. As a result various reports, newsletters and events which are concerned with LMI are produced and arranged. If you would like to ask any questions, make any suggestions or request any of the available newsletters and reports please get in touch. LMI EVENTS Events in 2005 - Past East of Scotland – Commuting and Migration Patterns
The East of Scotland European Partnership held their last Labour Market Information Seminar on the 2nd of February 2005 at the Dundee Contemporary Arts Centre, in Dundee. The theme was commuting and migration patterns and their implications for labour markets and wider policy. The guest speaker was Mr Gregg Lloyd from Dundee University. South of Scotland – The South of Scotland Labour Market and Economic Intelligence Project Development Event
The South of Scotland LMEI Group has produced a great deal of high quality Labour Market Information for over a year. The aim of this event was to revisit some of the work already completed, and use the existing information to scope out a comprehensive work plan in relation to the Labour Market and Economic Intelligence needs of the next year for the South of Scotland. The Event was held on the 24th of April 2006 in the Tweed Horizons Conference Centre in Newtown St Boswell. Further details on how the work plan for the next year was chosen and prioritized can be obtained by contacting Elaine Whyte on the contact details below.
Future Events in 2006 East of Scotland – Small Towns Seminar
The East of Scotland European Partnership will hold a Labour Market Intelligence Seminar on the 9th of May in the Business Learning and Conference Centre.
The aim of the event will be to examine various small towns in the East of Scotland, it is hoped that this event will give an insight to local economic development in the East of Scotland, particularly in regards to issues such as the changing of localities traditional economic roles and in terms of general regeneration. West of Scotland – SLIMS Seminar
SLIMS provides the Labour Market Information for the West of Scotland in respect to the Structural Funds. They have recently produced four thematic reports on the following sectors:
• Biotechnology
• Creative Industries
• Financial Services
• Tourism
These four reports will be discussed at SLIMS Annual Event which will take place on the 25th of May 2006 in Glasgow. If anyone is interested in attending this event please contact SLIMS directly on the details given below.
FUTURESKILLS REPORTS
Futureskills reports provide a valuable and comprehensive insight to current Scottish Labour Market Information figures and trends. They have an Annual Report for 2004 and a Work Plan for 2004/2005 which can be located on their website.
More specific information can be located in the sectoral specific reports. These sectoral reports act as informative guides on individual economic activity areas. At the moment there are in excess of 34 reports have been produced on a variety of industry areas such as Education and Training, E-Skills, Tourism and Small Businesses.
Futureskills reports are downloadable from the Futureskills Website. Hard copies of reports are also available free of charge by calling 0845 607 8787. REGIONAL PROVIDERS
The Scottish Objective 3 European Social Fund Programme covers 3 regional areas of the South, East and West of Scotland. South of Scotland
The South of Scotland is eligible for both Objective 2 and Objective 3 funding. The website for the South of Scotland Objective 2 PME provides background information on Labour Market Information and can be located at: www.sosep.org. Labour Market Information Website for the South of Scotland can be located at: www.southlmi.org The provider of Labour Market Information for the South of Scotland is Hall and Aitken and can be located at: www.hallaitken.co.uk
East of Scotland
The East of Scotland is eligible for both Objective 2 and Objective 3 funding. The website for the East of Scotland Objective 2 PME provides background information on Labour Market Information and can be located at: www.esep.co.uk Labour Market Information Website for the East of Scotland can be located at: www.yellowbookltd.com/esep/esep-lmi.htm
The provider of Labour Market Information for the East of Scotland is Yellowbook ltd and can be located at: www.yellowbookltd.com
West of Scotland
The West of Scotland is eligible for both Objective 2 and Objective 3 funding. The website for the West of Scotland Objective 2 PME provides background information on Labour Market Information and can be located at: www.wsep.co.uk Labour Market Information Website for the West of Scotland can be located at www.westernscotlandlmi.org.uk:
The provider of Labour Market Information for the West of Scotland is Slims and can be located at: www.slims.org.uk
POLICY UPDATE
Some general recent Policy Documents and Strategies which should be considered in relation to the application and implementation of Scottish Structural Funds Projects are: -
Choosing Our Future: Scotland's Sustainable Development Strategy. This document outlines the Scottish Priorities of working towards Sustainable Development as outlined in the UK Framework. -
A Regeneration Policy Statement - People and Place. This document outlines the key challenges in regeneration in Scotland from an environmental, social and economic angle. -
Framework for Economic Development in Scotland (II). This document was refreshed in 2004 and focuses on raising the quality of life of the Scottish people through increasing the economic opportunities for all on a social and environmentally sustainable basis. -
Scottish Tourism: The Next Decade - A Tourism Framework for Change. This document is a Scottish Tourism industry led framework which maps the direction of Scottish tourism for the next decade. The selection of Policies listed here are just some key examples of recent strategies, however if there are any further policy areas which you like information on please do not hesitate to contact us on the details below.
Ask Elaine
Do you have any queries in regards to the policy side of ESF?
Would you like to obtain more information on what Policies and Strategies effect ESF and your applications?
Would you like more advice on how to use Labour Market Information?
Would you like to be kept informed of events throughout Scotland which are relevant to your area of work?
At Objective 3 we aim to be approachable to all of our partners, we are on hand to offer advice on how we operate and to give our assistance to partner’s queries. If you need some advice on any of the issues above please contact e.whyte@objective3.org or call 0141 582 0401
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