The divide between the information ‘haves’ and ‘have nots’is widening, but Manchester City Council is reversing the trend. The launch of a new interactive website giving residents in the pilot area the chance to gain information on local job opportunities, to respond to police requests for information, handle housing concerns and use other services at the touch of button has brought the Internet to over 400 people.The distinctiveness of this initiative is that it gives people the chance to take part in the pilot project by providing them with either a low cost computer or a free set-top box for use with their television together with Internet access at reduced rates. The project will also provide access to the Internet at selected community locations within the area.
As the number of jobless people falls below the one million mark, for the first time in 25 years, new measures are announced to get people into work. The New Deal jobs scheme, which has so far helped 270,000 young people find employment, will be extended to groups including lone parents and people with disabilities. Also, it will include those over 25-years-old and partners of jobless people.The effect on the over 25 group is that they face withdrawal of benefits for up to 26 weeks if they fail to take advantage of the new opportunities on offer. The options will be: to take a subsidized job, training, voluntary work or a place on an environmental task force. In a move to change attitudes people becoming unemployed will be required to attend an interview with the Employment Service before signing on for benefit.There will be compulsory interviews and special schemes to help unemployed people with basic skills problems and drug addicts. New “action teams” will focus attention on areas worst hit by unemployment.
Read more on JOBLESS FALL SIGNALS A TOUGHER APPROACH TO UNEMPLOYMENT…
Mavin S, Bryans PThe International Journal of Public Sector Management, (UK), 2000 Vol 13 No 2
Start page: 142. No of pages: 11
Investigates partnership arrangements with public sector organizations, pinpointing the potential benefits of such partnerships. Describes the role that universities can play in creating a learning environment, encouraging public sector organizations to think critically about their operations. Discusses three UK case studies illustrating the principles of partnership, noting the varying degrees of success. Based on the findings from the case studies, offers useful guidelines to universities considering public sector partnerships.
