Helping more people back into work

The ROSE (real options for skills and employment) events, which have been running monthly since December last year, have successfully offered advice and practical support to people out of work, looking to re-train or even start up their own business.

Councillor Graham Lawman said: "The first few events have been really successful, and there have been a great number of people who have benefitted from them. Unfortunately, redundancy is something that is very real for a lot of people in our community and we know it's important that they have access to the right help and advice. But it's also important that they get the opportunity to speak to employers and see what sorts of vacancies are around. Redundancy means skilled people who are out of work through no fault of their own and if we can help match them up with prospective employers, it can only be a good thing."

Rachel Mallows, from The Mallows Company - a business consultancy that is delivering the government's careers and skills advice service and is working with the council to host the event - said: "It's a sad thing really that we had such a good turn out at the first few events because it means that there are far too many people out of work at the moment. We had such good feedback from people attending the events - one man I spoke to had been unemployed for five years and not only did he get to speak to employers, he also registered to become a volunteer so that he can get back into a work routine. At this next event we will continue to work hard to arm those who come along with the skills they need to bounce back into the workplace."

The free event will take place at the Tithe Barn on Tuesday 7 June between 10am and 1pm, and will bring a range of organisations together under one roof. They will provide advice and information about the range of help and support available to people who are out of work. For more information, contact Rachel Mallows on 01933 664 437.