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New plans to help unemployed

New measures have been unveiled by the government, which are set to offer jobseekers more help to get back into the workplace.

Minister for Further Education John Hayes and minister for Employment Chris Grayling launched the pilot programme in 22 centres which will significantly boost the number of careers advisors providing services in job centres.

The new scheme will also help to shape the new National Careers Service, which is set to begin April 2012.

Jonathan Walker, policy advisor at the North East Chamber of Commerce, sees the new policy as a positive move, but advises job centres to consult with businesses to ensure the new measures are effective.

He commented: “It’s important people are made aware of the opportunities that are available, particularly in emerging sectors. Measures such as these, to help people get back to work and take up training, are great for plugging our skills gaps.

“But in order for it to be successful, we would say work with employers so that you know what they’re looking for.”

John Hayes hopes to build a system which will help people acquire the skills they need to get into work.

He said: “Reforming the way the Jobcentre Plus, careers advice, colleges and other training providers and employers interact at a local level is critical to our success.

“Giving jobseekers full-time convenient access to a tailored and improved careers advice service will significantly improve the chances of getting into work.”

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