ESFESF FUNDING IN THE LONDON OBJECTIVE 2 PROGRAMMEThe European Social Fund (ESF) supports a range of employment and training activities as part of the London Objective 2 Programme. ESF funding accounts for approximately 12% of the total programme funds, i.e. around £31 million. AimsESF assistance in the London Objective 2 Programme aims to address the skills need in targeted areas and sector by allocating resources to specific measures under the Programme Priority 1, 2 and 3. RequirementsProjects funded through these measures must demonstrate a clear link with projects funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). In other words, a project funded under an ESF measure must show that it is related to one or several other projects funded under ERDF measures in the Programme. Difference with the Objective 3 Programme (ESF Co-financing)ESF support under the London Objective 2 Programme cannot be used to fund activities which qualify for funding under the Objective 3 Programme for the UK. The Objective 3 Programme is directed towards increasing employability and skills in individuals. Contrary to the Objective 2 programme, it does not have a remit to improve the economy of a particular area. Supported activitiesProjects funded by the ESF under the London Objective 2 Programme must benefit people living and/or working within the Programme areas. Projects activities must relate to human resource development, this includes vocational training – especially the development of higher level skills – guidance, job brokerage, wage subsidies, paid work experience schemes and pre-vocational development activities at community level. ESF support is only available in the form of revenue funding. The ESF does not provide capital funding. ESF assistance only amounts to a maximum percentage of the total eligible project costs. This percentage is referred to as the ‘intervention rate’. ESF MeasuresESF support is available under three measures:
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