Note an initiative to assist key workers from outside the borough with shared accommodation, during their first year of employment. This initiative provides incentives which should enable the Council  to recruit to posts which are currently hard to fill

Councillor Halden addressed Members advising the Council had experienced difficulties in recruiting staff to key roles in the borough such as teachers and social workers.  Members were further informed in order to fill vacant posts the Council and NHS had undertaken a number of recruitment drives both nationally and abroad.

He continued to explain one of the key issues obstructing recruitment of Key Workers was Thurrock’ s close proximity to London providing easy access to London jobs with weighting allowances.

The Portfolio Holder for Education and Health advised Cabinet of the Council’s plan to initially rent eight four bedroom properties. The first proposed to be on the St Chad’s site in Tilbury, would be available later in the year. Members were notified that William Edwards Secondary School offered teachers a place to stay while working at the School. 

Councillor Gledhill, Leader of the Council and Housing Portfolio Holder, commented on additional challenges Key Workers from abroad may face, for example they may have no experience of living abroad or renting in a foreign country, they may have no family, friends or other contacts in the UK.

RESOLVED:

1.            That Cabinet agree to the proposal to assist key workers from outside the borough with shared accommodation, during their first year of employment.

Reason for Decision - as stated in the report

This decision is subject to call-in