Support package for workers and business highlighted as claimant count figures issued
People and businesses affected by the Covid-19 crisis are being urged to find out more about a package of support put in place by the local enterprise partnership and partner organisations as the latest benefit claimant count figures are released.
The claimant count figure for Staffordshire now stands at 4.9 per cent of the local population. This is a slight reduction on the previous month’s figure which was 5.1 per cent. Int Stoke-on-Trent the claimant count figure is now 8.1 per cent. The regional figure is now 7.2 cent whilst the national stands at 6.4 per cent. Not all claimants are without employment. The number of furloughed employees in Staffordshire is around a third of the local workforce, the same as the national figure.
Initiatives such as the countywide Redundancy and Recruitment Triage Service were set up at pace for businesses whose employees are at risk of redundancy, to employees at risk or to those who are furloughed and uncertain about their future.
The triage service is being coordinated by LEP and the National Careers Service West Midlands. It matches those recently made redundant with new work in the sectors currently experiencing growth. The service also works with businesses across that are having to make changes to their workforce as a result of the pandemic.
It offers professional careers and jobs advice, free of charge to businesses and is bespoke to their requirements. This includes:
- Exploring the current jobs market, including those jobs in high-demand sectors and identify suitable work
- Understand people’s skills and qualities, with particular attention to their transferable skills
- How to write effective and tailored CVs
- Prepare and practice for interviews
- How to find and apply for jobs in a digital world – including using LinkedIN and social media
The triage service is entirely confidential and supported by qualified careers advisors. Business looking to support their staff transition into new work can contact the National Careers Service on 07879 603635. People at risk of redundancy, or who have been made redundant should contact the National Careers Service now on 0121 296 5550 or email ncswmenquieries@prospects.co.uk
People can find out about all support programmes by visiting www.stokestaffsgrowthhub.co.uk or calling 0300 111 8002.
LEP chairman Alun Rogers said:
Our priority at the LEP is to ensure businesses across Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire have the support they need during these extremely difficult times.
In negotiation with several of our local partners, the Local Authorities and the LEP have identified capacity within the National Careers Service West Midlands including Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire, to provide a valuable response triage service which will match redundancy situations to redeployment where there is emerging new work in sectors experiencing a surge in employment demand.
This will be free individual support, advice and careers information and guidance for employers and employees. We look forward to businesses and individuals getting in contact with triage service as quickly as possible.”
