Our regeneration efforts have resulted in a significant increase in jobs and employment.
More jobs
Over 8,000 jobs were created between 1995 and 2002.
From major developments alone, 2,900 jobs were created between 2001 and 2005.
Another 37,000 jobs are being created in Greenwich in the next 15 years.
Less unemployed
Unemployment has fallen from 17% in 1995 to 5.7% in January 2006.
In 1995 we were 2.1% above the London average of unemployment. This has fallen to just 1% above in January 2006.
Supporting people into work
Greenwich Local Labour and Business (GLLaB) has placed over 7,000 people into jobs since its inception in 1996. In the past three years alone, it has placed 2,470, of which 44% were from black and minority ethnic communities.
GLLaB won a national award and successfully retained its Charter Mark in 2006.
Skills
We have also set up Greenwich Employment Forum to co-ordinate activity among strategic partners. The activities are aimed at planning, delivery and promotion of employment skills and training opportunities.
The skills gap (percentage of working age population with no qualifications) in Greenwich has fallen from 19.3% in March 1999 to 15% in December 2005.
The London-wide figures are 15% and 14.3% for the same period.
More employment figures.
Beacon status
We have received Beacon Council status for Removing Barriers to Work (2003/04) and for Sustainable Tourism (2004/05).
Model for other authorities
We are cited in the Local Government Authority's 2004 compendium of good practice 'Delivering Excellence in Planning'.
In it, Greenwich was held up as a good example of how a planning authority can use Section 106 powers to help bring in significant investment and create jobs and skills opportunities.