Nightclub’s jobs pledge
Mar 19 2008 by Sue Scott, Evening Gazette
THE owners of Middlesbrough’s newest nightclub are the latest employers to sign up to a ground-breaking government jobs pledge – helping people off benefits and into work.
More than half of the jobs at the Millennium Nightclub in Teesside Park were offered to lone parents and the long-term unemployed, as part of a Local Employment Partnership (LEP) signed by general manager Mark Parker.
The pledge comes in return for additional support from staff at Jobcentre Plus in Stockton who helped with recruitment for around 57 posts at the club.
Advisers at Stockton Jobcentre helped people on benefits complete the application process and prepare for work at the nightclub in a variety of roles including bar staff, glass collectors, cleaners, toilet attendants, door staff and cellarpersons.
Rather than following the traditional application and interview proces,s benefit claimants were offered the opportunity to try out positions as part of a Work Trial – a short test period in the job where they can continue to claim their benefits.
Further jobs were earmarked for those traditionally at a disadvantage in the jobs market.
General manager Mark Parker said: “We are delighted to be working with Jobcentre Plus to offer this extra help for people who are looking to start work.
“The Work Trial scheme works well for us and for our employees – it helps to find the right person for the job, without the pitfalls of taking someone on and finding out that they are not suitable.”
Steve Davidson, Jobcentre Plus district manager said:
“It’s great to welcome the commitment of another employer to work with us in a Local Employment Partnership, supporting people back into employment where they can work for themselves and their families.
“This innovative approach sees employers working more closely with Jobcentre Plus to ensure those who have been on benefit for a long time get the help they need to both find and stay in a job.”
The nightclub is one of more than 500 UK employers to have committed to the scheme and follows in the footsteps of Middlesbrough Borough Council which was the first organisation in the North East to sign up in September last year.
Other organisations offering vacancies in the North East include Nissan, Premier Inn, ASDA, Sainsbury’s, Marks and Spencer and Greggs and more than 6,000 people in the region are expected to be helped into work in this way by March 2009.
