Support package for Teesside Corus workers

Feb 23 2010 By The Journal

A PACKAGE of support is being rolled out to workers facing redundancy from Corus' Teesside Cast Products site.

The Corus Response Group is leading help for 1,600 TCP workers and those in the plant’s supply chain affected by the decision to mothball the Redcar plant.

Work to wind down the site began on Friday provoking anger from workers and unions who are threatening to strike in protest at the move.

Buyers are still being sought for the business which has been earmarked for mothballing since its major buyers walked away last May.

At least two consortia are said to be in discussions with Corus, but it now seems likely that many of the workers there will lose their jobs unless a deal is signed soon.

The response group support package includes a dedicated resource centre on site at TCP within Steel House, access to the latest job vacancies posted with Jobcentre Plus, one-to-one advice sessions, skills analysis to identify other career options if necessary and advice on self employment options. Jobcentre Plus staff and local authority partners have already run a series of initial briefings over a week long period with 1,600 people attending – both TCP staff and contract workers.

From those initial sessions to learn more about individual needs, 1,000 workers have booked and attended appointments to access more services provided by employment experts, such as CV updating, financial services and self employment opportunities.

Jobcentre Plus and Corus are planning to host an employment and training event on March 8 and 9 at the resource centre in Steel House, where employees at risk of redundancy will be offered the chance to speak with potential employers as well as training providers and colleges.