Three little ways to help workers

Jun 22 2009 by Kevin Rowan , The Journal

WHILE the raving debate has moved on somewhat to how long the recession will last or what particular alphabetical depiction it represents, the focus must shift more directly to supporting those workers who have lost or are in the process of losing their jobs.

It is well understood that even if the downturn were to end tomorrow there would still be a demand for employability support for years to come.

In this regard three things need to happen. Firstly, there needs to be a continued, demonstrable commitment to investing properly in this kind of support; secondly, there is a strong case for marketing and communicating the successes in this area and thirdly, we need to be creative and innovative in reaching workers with these effective services.

The Government seems to have got the message about the first requirement. Jobcentre Plus staff, in particular, are feeling hard pressed to respond to raising demand, they are also recruiting quickly to increase the support. In addition, Next Steps are also expanding their Information, Advice and Guidance network and working with partners like the TUC to seek to increase the reach of this valuable service. At the same time, through local authority activity in this area, organisations like Newcastle Futures and the Wallsend Peoples’ Centre continue to provide a first-rate service. The unfortunately titled ‘worklessness pilots’ in the region clearly demonstrated that there are clear returns for investment in innovative approaches to supporting unemployed and economically excluded individuals. Earlier this year, Phil Wilson, MP for Sedgefield, working with JC+ organised a series of surgeries with Jobcentre Plus, Next Step, Business Link, local FE colleges, Inbiz and the trade unions GMB and UNITE, in Wingate, Ferryhill and Newton Aycliffe. Instead of going to the jobcentre, people turned up at local community centres, with excellent results. Of the 104 who attended, 37% went onto find jobs within six weeks, at a time when the economy was enduring the worst of the downturn. This is clearly something that works.

Kevin Rowan is Regional Secretary of Northern TUC