Partner Article

Fund to help at-risk workers

A £65,000 lifeline has been offered to North East workers threatened by unemployment.

The Tyne & Wear City Region Employment Consortium (CREC) is launching a £65,000 emergency fund to help individuals in the region’s most disadvantaged communities who need support to avoid having to give up work.

The Emergency Retention Fund (ERF), which is backed by One North East, has been set up to address the needs of people who could maintain their jobs and avoid joining the ranks of the unemployed.

The Tyne and Wear City Region Employability project is focused on providing services for employers and individuals in the Tyne and Wear City Region that help recruit and retain staff, particularly focusing on disadvantaged groups.

From 16 February, each local authority area across the City Region will have an allocation of £5,000 from the ERF available to respond quickly to urgent requests for help.

Councillor Iain Malcolm, Leader of South Tyneside Council, said: “Traditionally there has been funding available for those people out of work, but there’s nothing for those who face unemployment or who need small amounts to help sort out particular problems so that they can maintain their employment.

“Under this emergency scheme the participating councils have agreed to act quickly and decisively to deal with applications received. The flexible grant service should improve the chances of individuals overcome the risk of losing their job or alleviate personal difficulties that might have forced them into unemployment.”

The pilot programme will be reviewed after four weeks to assess how it is working and whether there is a need for additional funding.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .