Sara’s Blog: Support for workers being made redundant

Figures released today suggest that workers on payrolls declined by over 600,000 between March and May. At the same time, the number of people claiming benefits, including unemployed was up 126% to 2.8 million.

Sadly, it is inevitable that there will be more redundancies once wage support schemes, including the furlough scheme, end in October.

In a move to mitigate the effects of the job losses, businesses across Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire are being offered help to support their employees at risk of redundancy.

The Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire LEP is working with partners to create a service for businesses and employees experiencing redundancies because of the coronavirus outbreak. It is being delivered by the National Careers Service West Midlands, which includes Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire.

The Chambers are backing the scheme which will operate a response triage service matching redundancy to redeployment in sectors experiencing growth such as health and care, food retail, wholesale, and distribution.

There will be free individual support, advice and careers information and guidance for employers and employees. We would encourage businesses and individuals who have been affected to contact the triage service as quickly as possible.

The support service will include skills analysis and career planning, CV development, job matching to current vacancies and help with online job searched and applications.

It will also help people to understand the local job market, coach them in interview techniques, offer digital skills assessments and help to find relevant coursers and training.

Businesses trying to urgently fill vacancies because of the pandemic can also access help to find new employees able to start immediately.

Anyone who has been made redundant or is at risk of redundancy is advised to call 0121 296 5550 or email  Ncswmenquiries@prospects.co.uk to book a telephone appointment.

Employers whose staff are at risk of redundancy or businesses looking to fill vacancies should call 07879 603635.

If you want to talk to us about any business issues, you can call our switchboard on 01782 202222 or call the Stoke and Staffs Growth Hub Helpline on 0300 111 8002. We also have a Twitter hour each Tuesday and Friday from 11am – 12noon #StaffsChamberChat

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