Merton Council’s Cabinet has approved a new service aimed at helping residents secure employment. 

Set to launch in early 2025, Employ Merton will connect job seekers with existing employment services and Living Wage employers. The pilot service will run for one year, supporting residents in finding job opportunities and accessing tailored support. It will also assist local businesses by helping fill job vacancies. 

The new service aims to help residents who need additional job support and professional skills into the right services to assist them in gaining and retaining jobs, empowering individuals to thrive and reducing their reliance on other council services. 

Through this service, the council aims to build Civic Pride by ensuring that every resident can access opportunities to succeed. It will also help tackle child poverty linked to parental and guardian employment and pay, as well as support residents through the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. 

The service will collaborate with existing initiatives in Merton, such as Towards Employment, DWP Support Families Employability Advisor, Merton Employment Team, Children Centres and Family Hubs, to link people seeking employment with the service that best suits them. 

Employ Merton supports a nationwide Back to Work plan that includes creating a new national jobs and career service that will help more people into work, as well as targeted plans for long-term job seekers and a youth guarantee for people aged 18 to 21. 

Merton Council Leader, Councillor Ross Garrod said:  

“Merton Council has a proud record of increasing employment opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds across the borough, and we are committed to ensuring all residents have access to excellent learning, employment, and professional development opportunities in Merton. 

“Employ Merton’s collaboration with local services and businesses will help connect residents with meaningful work and tailored support, whilst supporting our businesses to thrive by finding skilled candidates. I’m looking forward to seeing this new partnership develop and contribute to Merton being a fantastic place to live, work and learn.”