Recent analysis from Trust for London shows the proportion of working-age adults relying on out-of-work benefits has risen across every London borough in the past year.
The sharpest increases are in the East End, particularly in Newham and Tower Hamlets – communities that East End Community Foundation serve every day.
In its most recent update, the analysis states: “The unemployment rate varies significantly across London boroughs. Newham has the highest rate at 8.7%, followed by Barking and Dagenham and Brent (both at 7.9%)”
At EECF, we know that behind these figures are real lives, and for many young people in particular, this isn’t just about unemployment, it’s about a growing sense that opportunity is moving further out of reach.
The East End paradox: home to big businesses
As the World Health Organisation highlights, work can protect mental health – but poor-quality or insecure work can just as easily undermine it.
Through our work with community groups and young people across the East End, we are seeing a growing tension between getting into work and being able to sustain a decent quality of life through work.
Too many young people in particular are either locked out of employment entirely, or entering a labour market where being ‘in work’ does not necessarily guarantee stability – the reality of the ‘working poor’.
The East End is home to global businesses and national headquarters, but many local young people feel the opportunities they present are not designed with them in mind. There is a perceived ‘closed door’ to work experience, networks and entry-level roles which raises important questions: are corporate recruitment strategies actually reflecting the communities they are rooted in? Is there a disconnect between corporate social responsibility ambitions and recruitment practices, where one seeks to give back locally, and the other operates at a distance from ‘place’? And is the emerging reliance on and development of AI in the workforce further diminishing entry level employment opportunities?
While critical questions remain, employers themselves are under growing financial strain in the form of rising taxes and employment costs. Combined with high unemployment and an unsteady economy causing stagnation, this creates a perfect storm.
Looking ahead for East London
We are uniquely placed, as a place-based funder deeply rooted in the East End. We understand the structural inequalities and see them keenly, which is why we act as a bridge, connecting community groups, young people and corporate partners in practical and impactful ways.
Our innovative Youth Employment Support (YES) project is one example – it brings together the talents of our corporate partners with grassroots organisations to help young people develop the essential soft skills that will help them gain and sustain work. The project helps raise career aspirations, develop confidence, resilience, self-awareness, and build essential professional networks to secure work experience.
We recognise that no single organisation or corporate partner can solve this issue alone. This summer, we hope to convene a number of small roundtables to bring together young people, community organisations, corporate partners and decision makers to hold conversations on barriers, pathways and practical solutions.
Join with us
The rise in out-of-work-benefits should be a signal that we need to act differently and come together to seek a solution. If we are serious about improving outcomes for young people in the East End, we must open up access, rethink pathways and work in partnership.
This is an invitation to businesses and other funders to join us, listen and collaborate for a more inclusive future. Please get in touch with us to find out more: info@eastendcf.org
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