Community and Third Sector Organisations: Employment

Debate between Richard Baker and Paulette Hamilton

Monday 10th February 2025 Commons Chamber

[Paulette Hamilton]

My hon. Friend makes a valuable point, and I absolutely agree with what he says.

The commitment of the partner organisations in my constituency has been the driving force behind our shared vision, and I take this opportunity to pay tribute to them. I am sure the Minister will join me as I extend my heartfelt thanks. However, progress does not come without its challenges.

[Richard Baker (Glenrothes and Mid Fife) (Lab)]

My hon. Friend has focused on the benefits of partnerships. Does she agree that employability partnerships led by third sector organisations have been shown to be more successful than traditional approaches to employability support, because they involve organisations with a wide range of expertise? Similarly, in Scotland, we have the All In partnerships led by the disability charity Enable Works, for which I used to work. Fife Gingerbread in my constituency works very successfully in partnership with other organisations to deliver employability support to lone parents.

[Paulette Hamilton]

I absolutely agree with my hon. Friend. It is so important for us to work together to get what we need for our local communities.