Party Conferences - Jobs and the Big Society

Jobs and the Big Society – is there still room for disability specific provision? How can social enterprises play a role in achieving social inclusion and full employment?

As party conference season begins, Shaw Trust is inviting attendees to join a discussion around ‘Jobs and the Big Society.’

We will be running a series of fringe events across Liverpool, Manchester and Birmingham, with confirmed speakers including: Stephen Lloyd MP; Steve Webb MP; Anne Begg MP; Rushanara Ali MP; Lord Freud and; Oliver Heald MP (full listings below).

Our fringe events will focus on the importance of tackling the risk of long-term unemployment. As the economy returns to growth, it is essential that the most vulnerable in our society be given the support they need to achieve sustainable employment.

Of course, this challenge is particularly gruelling in light of current restraints on public spending. This means it is more crucial than ever to ensure that the socially disadvantaged don’t disproportionately bear the brunt of austerity measures.

Our fringe event will also discuss the future of jobs and welfare strategy in light of the Coalition Government’s plan for a single welfare to work programme. While we stress that employment is a vital part of the ‘social jigsaw’, what place is there for other critical elements such as training and support? Could the next few years deliver an exciting opportunity for the third sector and social enterprises to flourish?

We also want to know what you think about other key issues. For instance, are there sufficient mechanisms in place for those looking for work? Is there room for disability specific provision? Is enough being done to ensure this recession does not leave a legacy of life-long unemployment?

Over to you… please join the discussion.

Liberal Democrats
Liverpool
Sunday 19th September, 6:15pm – 7:30pm
The ACC, Dods Hall 2N

Panel
James Lloyd (Chair) Senior Research Fellow, Social Market Foundation
Sally Burton Chief Executive, Shaw Trust
Stephen Lloyd MP member of Work and Pensions Select Committee
Prof. Roy Sainsbury Research Director, SPRU, The University of York
Steve Webb MP Minister of State for Pensions

Labour
Manchester
Sunday 26th September, 5:45pm – 7:00pm
Manchester Central, Dods Central 5, floor G

Panel
Cllr Stephen Houghton Leader of Barnsley Council
Anne Begg MP Chair, Work and Pensions Select Committee
Rushanara Ali MP Bethnal Green and Bow
Sally Burton Chief Executive, Shaw Trust
Prof. Roy Sainsbury Research Director, SPRU, The University of York

Conservatives
Birmingham
Sunday 3rd October, 5:15pm – 6:30pm
The ICC, Dods Marquee 3

Panel
Natalie Evans (Chair) Deputy Director, Policy Exchange (Chair)
Sally Burton Chief Executive, Shaw Trust
Lord David Freud Minister for Welfare Reform
Oliver Heald MP North East Hertfordshire
Prof. Roy Sainsbury Research Director, SPRU, The University of York

 Back to Upcoming Events