Greater Customer Reach

The Greater Customer Reach (GCR) work stream contributes to Edinburgh’s Jobs Strategy stretching targets by engaging with priority groups and individuals beyond current levels. The operational plan gives details of our work in this area.

Priority groups have been identified as those facing particular barriers in moving along the pathway to employment, and for each of these groups an action plan has been devised to ensure progress towards overcoming those barriers. The priority groups have been identified as:

Care Leavers

Each year around 600 young people between the ages of 16 and 21 are entitled to aftercare having spent at least three months in the care of the City of Edinburgh Council. Of these around 55% are not in education and training. They face barriers of low confidence and self esteem, low educational attainment and a lack of support in seeking employment.
Care Leavers Summary Report

People with Disabilities

There are around 50,000 people of working age in the city who have a physical disability, learning difficulty or a mental health problem within a wide spectrum of conditions and severity. Almost 50% of these are not in employment, facing negative employer attitudes, transport issues and a lack of suitabile work places
Disabilities Summary Report

Ethnic Minorities

The term 'ethnic minority' is mainly used to denote people who are in the minority within a defined population on the grounds of 'race', colour, culture, language or nationality. They may face difficulties gaining recognition of their qualifications, discrimination from employers and lack of knowledge of support systems, especially those new to the country.
Ethnic Minorities Summary Report

People with a History of Substance Misuse

There are an estimated 8000 people in the city who have a pattern of harmful use of substances, generally drugs and/or alcohol, and of these up to 70% are unemployed. A significant proportion of those with such a history suffer mental and behavioural problems as a result of substance misuse. They face many barriers in getting employment including stigma, ill health, lack of qualifications and possible criminal record.
Substance Misuse Summary Report

Homeless People

Just under 5000 people presented themselves as homeless in Edinburgh in 2009/10 and an estimated 90% will be unemployed. As well as many social and educational factors the lack of a stable address makes finding work difficult.
Homeless People Summary Report 

Lone Parents

There are an estimated 12,000 families headed by lone parents in the city. Mainly clustered in the most deprived communities and around half are not working. The lack of affordable childcare is a large factor as is the benefit trap.
Lone Parents  Summary Report

Young People not in Education, Employment or Training

The number of 16-19 year olds in Edinburgh leaving school without going on to education, employment or training is growing as a result of the current recession. Many national and local initiatives are in place to redress that, and to limit the possibility of a “lost generation” who move into adulthood without employment.
Young People not in Education, Employment or Training Summary Report

Prison Leavers

Each year around 2000 people leave prison to live in Edinburgh and while we have no available statistics of their employment status we know that many will experience discrimination from employers and will face further barriers in sustaining work such as substance misuse, mental ill health and poor educational attainment.
Prison Leavers Summary Report 

Asylum Refugees/Seekers

There are around 1000 refugees/asylum seekers in Edinburgh and although we have no exact figures, the vast majority are not in paid employment. Many are not legally entitled to work in this country and poor knowledge of English is another hurdle to employment.
Asylum Seekers/Refugees Summary Report