Partner Article

Gateshead Council team up with Jobcentre Plus

A Council has signed up to a new partnership deal in the region that will help more people find work in times of economic strife.

Gateshead Council has joined forces with Jobcentre Plus to push through the Local Employment Partnership (LEP) scheme, designed to give unemployed people in the local community a fair shot at their vacancies, in return for Jobcentre Plus’ help with recruitment and training.

Coun Malcolm Graham, cabinet member for economic development at Gateshead Council, said: “We’ve been working hard with our partners at Jobcentre Plus to ensure this scheme is a real success.

“As well as signing up to this valuable programme that helps people into work, Gateshead Council will also be working with other employers to encourage them to recruit from disadvantaged groups.”

On top of practical help, employees of the Council will aim to provide coaching and mentoring to potential recruits to ensure they are more prepared for the world of work.

Jan Thirlaway, Customer Services Director for Jobcentre Plus in the North East, said: “Now more than ever it is important that we do everything possible to support people to get back into jobs. We are delighted Gateshead Council has agreed to help us to provide opportunities for people who find themselves out of work.

“By signing up to LEPs Gateshead Council will be able to make a real difference to the lives of people in the local community.”

The Council will offer a targeted number of places for unemployed people to take part in work experience, work placements or other initiatives that could lead to jobs.

It will also be working with Jobcentre Plus to develop pre-employment training programmes for potential recruits.

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