Tameside council offer support to ‘in work’ families to improve employment situation
By Iain Forrest Partnership and Engagement Officer, Tameside MBC
Poverty doesn’t end once people go into employment so why does employment support stop? Tameside have launched a new programme aimed at supporting Tameside residents that are in employment but need support due to low income, low hours, short term contracts, health conditions or to find something that is more suited to their skills.
Over 2 million workers across the UK are on zero hour or short-term contracts, the vast majority of whom would benefit from more stable income
Commissioned by the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP), the 12 month initiative is the first of its kind in Tameside. It will gather evidence around the most effective ways of supporting people who are in work on low pay to progress and increase their earnings.
150 Tameside residents, who are already in employment can volunteer to participate and receive support from the scheme.
The ‘in work’ trained advisers will support participants to explore their career aspirations, identify skills gaps and development opportunities within their current employment or an alternative role. The ‘In Work’ team aim to build links with charities, community groups, training providers, housing providers, employment support providers and local employers to raise awareness and create partnerships.
Cllr Oliver Ryan, Tameside Council Executive Member for Finance and Economic Growth said: “This is a fantastic initiative for us to be involved with which will help residents grow in confidence at work and develop their skills. Helping them to grow their skills will only strengthen our local workforce and give the participants further opportunities when looking for work or changing roles with their current employer”.
A DWP spokesperson said: “We’re pleased to be working with Tameside Council to offer this exciting initiative to 150 local residents seeking to progress in work and increase their earnings. The evidence and learnings from Tameside will be valuable for informing future action as we continue to level up opportunity across the country and support people – at any age and any career stage – to maximise their potential through our multi-billion pound Plan for Jobs”.
If you are working with someone that is ‘stuck in a rut’ and needs support to make changes in their career please contact Iain Forrest or the In Work team.
