FUNDING is still available through the SSI Task Force is to help workers and businesses affected by the closure of the SSI steelworks.
Help available ranges from support for training and skills, new business start-ups, together with grants and access to loans for people experiencing financial difficulties. Businesses in the Tees Valley can also benefit from funding to take on affected workers, support for supply chain companies to safeguard jobs and business growth.
Amanda Skelton, Chair of the SSI Task Force and Chief Executive of Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, said: “The Task Force remains fully committed to helping people, communities and businesses affected by the closure of SSI. We have made good progress so far, with over 1,000 people back in work or training, but there are still many people facing challenges getting back into work. More training funds are now in place and we would encourage anyone who had difficulty getting courses approved in the first few weeks following the closure to come back to us, as we are now able to fund more courses.
“The Safety Net Fund can offer vital cash support to help people who are still looking for work with expenses such as daily living costs, rent, mortgage or car payments to see them through a difficult period.”
The Jobs and Skills Fund has already approved funding for over 70 new jobs created by Tees Valley Businesses. Firms in the SSI supply chain and wider Tees Valley have been able to safeguard 149 jobs and create a further 65 new jobs with help from the Support Fund.