Member Article

SSI update: Task Force supporting affected Redcar workers

Over the last week a number of response sessions have been taking place at SSI for employees, where over 800 people have been involved so far.

Agencies involved on site include Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council, Jobcentre Plus, Trade Unions, National Careers Service, Citizens Advice Bureau, MIND, Pensionswise and the Five Lamps voluntary agency.

A support hub has also been set up, which is providing one to one support in the longer term in relation to benefits, pensions, debt advice, assistance back to work or starting a new business, training and development, and wellbeing.

Chair of the SSI Task Force and Chief Executive of Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council Amanda Skelton said: “Our primary aim is to ensure that people get the help and support they need – right from the immediate questions about what benefits people can access and information on job vacancies, to longer term advice about retraining or setting up your own business.

“More detailed work is on-going to look at the skills that people have and match them to relevant job opportunities. As well as supporting the workforce, the Task Force is working to identify suppliers who have been affected by SSI going into liquidation and provide help and support to them.

She continued: “Other areas the Task Force is working on include assessing the economic impact of the mothballing of the iron and steelmaking facilities and suggesting ways of mitigating this and ensure that the mothballing takes place securely. It is also looking ways in which to allocate the financial support package from Government, and we will be speaking to people affected to find out what they most need.

“The impact that this is having on people within our community is huge. It really is important that people do not feel that they are on their own and access the help and support available to them.”

Jobcentre Plus has also appointments available for general support and access to the national careers service – people can call 0191 382 1003 between 9am and 4pmMonday to Friday to book.

A Jobs Fair is taking place on Wednesday 14th October at the Redcar and Cleveland Leisure and Community Heart, Ridley Street, Redcar between 10am and 4pm.

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