Lancaster City Council joins forces with Jobcentre Plus to aid the long term unemployed
LANCASTER City Council has joined forces with Jobcentre Plus to uncover the district’s untapped potential by helping the long-term unemployed and other priority jobless groups back into work.
The council has committed to offering potential new recruits help in filling out application forms, example interviews, mentoring, on the job training or unpaid work placements under a Local Employment Partnership with Jobcentre Plus.
This is part of the Government’s agenda to help over a quarter of a million people who are currently not working and claiming benefits.
Coun Abbott Bryning, Cabinet member with responsibility for education, skills and opportunities, said: “The council is one of the largest employers in Lancaster and as such we have a responsibility to offer a supportive environment to help people get back to work.
“By offering work and interview experience we hope to give confidence and skills to local people to enable them to take the first step back to employment.
“Raising opportunities for employment is very much part of safeguarding and maintaining a vibrant economy.”
Steve Johnson, Jobcentre Plus District Manager for Cumbria and Lancashire said: “We want to give a fair chance to those often overlooked in the labour market and are keen to work with employers to unlock the talent of the local community. I am delighted that Lancaster City Council has agreed to work with Jobcentre Plus through a Local Employment Partnership, and I would urge other employers to do the same.”
For further information / interview opportunities contact The Human Resources Department at Lancaster City Council on 01524 582077.
To explore the ways that Local Employment Partnerships could work for your business and make a difference to your community visit www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk/JCP/Employers/lep/ or contact Jobcentre Plus on 0845 600 8192 or lep.enq@jobcentreplus.gsi.gov.uk.
Date Published: 07/12/09