New service from LSC helps to get Londoners into work

17th September 2009

Real Help Now for Londoners made redundant or facing redundancy to retrain and get back into work
Call 08000 641 481 to find out how the service can help

The LSC is launching a new service to help people who have been made redundant or who are facing redundancy get back into work. By calling 08000 641 481, people can find out how to access training in order to boost their employability. With the total number of people claiming job seekers allowance in London reaching over 241,000 in July 2009 (ONS, 12 August 2009) and new unemployment figures released yesterday seeing unemployment soar to 2.47 million in the UK in the three months to July, the Response to Redundancy service provides real help now for people facing difficult decisions about their future.

Boris Johnson, Mayor of London, who is backing the campaign said: "It is vital that speedy help is offered to employees facing redundancy, so they are prepared and waste no time in making the right decisions about their future. This new service compliments the extensive programme of initiatives I have instigated or which are in the pipeline. These include investing over £23 million through the LDA to support the most vulnerable Londoners and creating thousands of Apprenticeships across the capital. We must ensure those facing unemployment have a range of options to develop existing and new skills while they are between jobs, and also open up more job opportunities where we can."

Response to Redundancy is funded by the Learning and Skills Council and the European Social Fund. Nextstep (the information and advice service for adults), colleges and training providers across all London boroughs have received funding to deliver high-quality, flexible training to help people who are currently under notice of redundancy or have recently been made redundant to improve their skills and get back into the workplace as quickly as possible. The service also offers individually-tailored careers advice, help with searching for a job and guidance with writing a CV. Where possible, accredited units of training will be carried forward and put towards future qualifications.

Jill Lowery, Acting Regional Director, Learning and Skills Council in London commented: “These are tough times for businesses and individuals alike. With lots of employers having to make difficult decisions to ensure business survival many Londoners are facing an uncertain future. That’s why we’re committed to providing access to the right training so people spend as little time as possible unemployed.  We want everyone to have the chance to boost their skills so they have the best chance possible of finding a new job as well as helping London remain competitive when the economy recovers. People should call 08000 641 481 to find out more.”

Matthew Davey who completed the Response to Redundancy programme said:
“When I was given my notice of redundancy at Homebase, I really didn’t think I’d be able to get another job. The response to redundancy programme really gave me the skills I needed to apply for another job successfully. The interview techniques I learned gave me the confidence I had lost, and it was great to have coaching on how to write a winning CV. I applied for a job at another branch of Homebase and landed a promotion in the process – although I’ve been lucky to get a job in the same industry, I am sure I would never have been considered for that position had I not received the training.”

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