Mike Hedges welcomes news that Signs positive for Better Jobs scheme

Mike Hedges welcomes news that Signs positive for Better Jobs scheme

Leader of the House Julie James yesterday visited one of the pilot projects taking forward the innovative Better Jobs Closer to Home programme.

Mike Hedges AM said …. ‘I am pleased with this news – I have been calling for procurement process to be used to keep money within the Welsh Economy for many years, indeed since I was Leader of Swansea Council nearly years ago.

Many millions of pounds are spent each year in the procurement of services and surely we need to ensure that as much as possible be kept within Wales. I hope that within due course firms in Swansea East will have the chance to tender for these opportunities.’

Better Jobs Closer to Home aims to create opportunities and sustainable jobs by utilising the spending power of public procurement. This is achieved through the use of innovative commercial approaches and, through the use of reserved contracts, using that lever to create jobs in areas of high employment need.
Four Better Jobs Pilots are currently being tested across the South Wales Valleys area and, if successful, similar interventions could then be replicated in other parts of Wales.
Julie James was in Ebbw Vale yesterday to visit EBO Quality Signs, one of the pilot projects. EBO are a social enterprise that employs local people with disabilities, and the Leader of the House was keen to see what progress had been made so far, and what the future may hold for success of the programme.