Halton Ways to Work ILM Programme
The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority has been successful in securing funding for its most vulnerable and workless residents from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. This programme offers employment grants to support the recruitment and employment of residents currently not in employment, education and/or training (NEET). This programme is known as an Intermediate Labour Market opportunity (ILM) Ways to Work.
The programme will offer a financial grant paid directly to employers who can demonstrate business growth and/or community benefit and who can offer an employment opportunity(s) exceeding a period of 6 months. The employer should be committed to extending this offer past the 6 months therefore giving a sustained employment opportunity. The expression of interest (EOI) will be judged on the commitment to the sustainability of the position. Furthermore, priority will be given to employers who can offer opportunities for vulnerable participants leaving local care (care leaver).
The ILM programme grant will be paid monthly in arrears. The Grant will only be paid after compliant evidence is produced (e.g. time sheets, payslips, and proof of wage defrayment).
Eligibility of Employer
- A company with fewer than 250 employees
- An annual turnover not exceeding €50 million (approximately £40 million) or annual balance sheet total not exceeding €43 million (approximately £34 million)
- Has received less than €200,000 in State Aid (under De Minimis Regulations)over a rolling 3 year period
- Show a commitment to offer employment to the participant after the grant period has finished (preferable)
- Is willing to pay National Minimum Wage (NMW) as a minimum (age related to the participant)
- Must be able to offer a minimum of 35 hrs per week for a 26 week minimum employment contract
Eligibility of Employee (Participant)
- Halton Resident
- Aged 16+
- Economically Inactive
- Registered with Halton Borough Council’s Ways to Work programme (after 1st April 2024)
- Vulnerable groups considered
- Participants with disabilities
- Participants with from Ethnic Minorities
- Care Leavers
- Single parents with dependent children
Next Steps (Stage 1)
If you would like to participate in supporting the delivery of this programme please complete the attached Expression of Interest (EOI Stage 1) and forward the completed application to: ilms@halton.gov.uk
Once you have returned this EOI it will be reviewed and, if your company passes the eligibility criteria, a stage 2 application will be sent electronically. Employers not meeting the eligibility criteria will be notified electronically.
Stage 2
An Information Pack and Stage 2 application form will be sent out. This will explore in more detail how the ILM will work and confirm the job descriptions and support requirements in order for a formal decision and any subsequent contract offer to be made. This pack will include all the relevant forms for the Grant Stage Payments. Once all of the initial paperwork is completed, a mutually convenient appointment will be arranged with the Lynsey Carr. All paperwork will be checked at the meeting, support will be offered to ensure compliance.
Stage 3
Formal evaluation of Stage 2 via a Panel and if all paperwork and information is found to be acceptable, a contract offer will be made.
A contract will be drawn up once the participant has been identified and a start date agreed. Failure to produce the required evidence to a specific standard at the relevant times may affect the payment of the grant.
Recruitment of the participant will be in conjunction with Halton Borough Council. Please note that Halton Borough Council must confirm the eligibility of the participant in advance of any interviews.