EMPLOYERS will be actively encouraged to provide local jobs for local people as part of an innovative scheme launched by West Somerset Council.

Councillors have thrown their weight behind a new Employment and Skills Charter which all employers in the district will be encouraged to sign.

The charter sets out a number of steps to help employers match skills and training to job requirements and seeks assurances that, wherever possible, local people will be given priority for jobs and apprenticeship opportunities.

Corinne Matthews, the council's economic regeneration and tourism manager, told Wednesday's cabinet meeting she hoped the charter would boost job prospects for residents of all ages.

"The charter is not a legal agreement, but it is a statement of intent negotiated with employers and the council.

"A local example of where this has worked is the charter that Sedgemoor District Council negotiated with Morrisons for the construction and operation of their major distribution centre in Bridgwater," she said.

The charter, which, with Hinkley C site preparation works due to begin, has a particular emphasis on the construction industry, sets out a wish-list of commitments the council will seek from employers.

These include:

l Employing direct labour locally through the job centre and employment agencies.

l Hiring machinery and operators, such as excavators, road sweepers etc from local plant hire firms.

l Accepting a Construction Site Certification scheme training and testing venue on site.

l Encouraging subcontractors to join a group training association or employment training associations.

l Organising site visits for local schools, colleges and associated institutions.

The charter states: "When business development and economic regeneration is inclusive of surrounding communities, it improves social inclusion.

"This leads to lower levels of crime and higher levels of social cohesion.

"These outcomes will have a direct impact on the quality of life and the willingness for other businesses to invest in the area.

"The intention is that all major new employers will participate.

"Existing employers will also be encouraged to change their recruitment and training practices.

"The council will aim to provide the help and support to enable employers to participate in the charter."

Councillors were told the charter was intended to be non-bureaucratic and easy for employers to sign up to.

As well as setting out aspirations for the construction industry, the charter also contains suggestions to create pre-employment opportunities, aid recruitment and help staff post-employment.

Contractors will be asked to focus on opportunities for 16 to 24-years-olds, operate local workshops and work with partner agencies to ensure local candidates have the right skills.

They will also be encouraged to help organise local recruitment fairs, ensure all candidates receive a response to job applications and offer a number of guaranteed interview slots for candidates who have completed a pre-employment training programme.

In addition, the charter aims to ensure new employees are offered training and the chance to gain appropriate qualifications, while the long-term unemployed should be offered work trial placements.