A new support package has been launched by the SSI Task Force to offer extra help to former SSI employees, their spouses and partners, and supply chain workers to find new employment and retraining opportunities.
Employers taking on workers affected by the SSI closure can now benefit from a two year wage subsidy, through the Jobs and Skills Fund, of £15,000 for those aged 45 and over and £11,000 for people under 45 years old.
The enhanced support package includes:
- Extra Health and Wellbeing support for workers and their families
- Specialist help with marketing themselves to employers and interview preparation
- Funding for in-work training
- Focused job matching and direct approaches to employers
- Potential Traineeship or Internship opportunities with local employers
- Post job start assistance, further career enhancement guidance
The extra level of support is available in addition to the continuing funds available for training, business start-up advice and grants and the Safety Net financial support fund.
A new dedicated Support Co-ordinator, based at the Community Union office in Cargo Fleet Lane, Middlesbrough, will provide a “drop in” service to advise on finding employment, training opportunities, managing finances and health and wellbeing.
Chair of the SSI Task Force and Chief Executive of Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council Amanda Skelton said: “It’s almost eight months on from the SSI closure and we have looked at what help and support we can give to people still looking to find new jobs or training opportunities. The more personalised support package will help to make sure people receive the right kind of support suitable to their own individual needs. More than half of those seeking work are aged over 45, and that’s why we’ve introduced an extra incentive to employers to recruit people from that age group.”
The Support Co-ordinator drop in service is available on Tuesdays between 2pm and 4pm and Thursdays between 10am and 2pm. Appointments can be booked outside of these times by calling – 01642 246040.
Links to all the support funds, including eligibility and how to apply, can be found at www.ssitaskforce.co.uk