Essex Jobcentre Plus Celebrate New Year Employment Push

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It may be a new year, but the same problems persist; and the question of how to meet the economic, employment and skills challenges remains.

Earlier this week, a survey of retail executives revealed that one of their greatest concerns is recruiting properly trained staff for the positions available ““ in spite of the fact that an alarmingly low proportion of these firms are actively engaged in training schemes. Furthermore, the unemployment level has reached 5%, and in spite of economic experts calling for a calm appraisal of the figures that reflect the economic slowdown of some months ago rather than problems in the present this level of unemployment has lead to a gloomier outlook.

Working for Nation to Work

Living in Essex, however, it seems that things are looking more positive. Jobcentre Plus has announced that they have managed to move 400 people into work in the area in just the past six months. In an effort to maintain this and build upon this success, Jobcentre Plus offices across the country will be playing host to a number of organisations offering help in moving back to work after an absence from employment.

Jobcentre Plus is part of the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and brings together employment and benefit services for people of working age. The project is running now, and will last until the 27th of January. Ranging from confidence building specialists and advice on c.v’s to advice on learning support and skills training, the project is aimed at meeting the needs of both the employers searching for new staff and the potential employees looking to move back into the workforce.

Helping Into Work

Pat Edmondson, Jobcentre Plus Marketing Adviser, said: “This is all part of a move to help more people into work, especially those who are disadvantaged in some way. Organisations have been invited into their local Jobcentre Plus office and staff will encourage our customers to chat with them about ways to improve their chances of finding work.”

Sue Nunn, the manager of Witham Technology Centre, said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Jobcentre Plus. We offer jobseekers the opportunity, while they are looking for work, to come into Witham Technology Centre one day a week to gain a relevant IT qualification, free of charge, to support the skills they need for their chosen occupation.”

Jethro Marsh

Is Jobcentre Plus the best agency to meet skills demands? Tell us in the FE Blog

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