Council launches new work scheme to get people 'back on track'

Work+ is run by Leicestershire County Council and is + is a free one-to-one service for those seeking work.

It can offer advice and information to people looking for secure paid employment the chance to learn new skills or to find out more about volunteering or becoming self-employed.

It is open to everyone – from those who have never been employed to those who have lost their jobs due to the pandemic, been furloughed or who are at risk of redundancy. It will also help college leavers, graduates and agency staff on zero hour or temporary contracts.

Qualified personal advisers will offer impartial and professional advice to people from all backgrounds and support people on a one-to-one basis.

Appointments will initially be offered online due to the pandemic but later in the year face to face meetings will be held in local libraries and adult learning centres.

Everyone who signs up to the scheme will have the opportunity to have a tailored work plan drawn up for them, including clear targets and steps to achieve their goal.

Help will be given with CV and letter writing skills, job searches, interview techniques and digital training, self-employment advice and business support.

The Work+ team will also work directly with employers who may be in the unfortunate position of making redundancies and want to support their staff to find new employment.

County council leader Nick Rushton said: “The pandemic has been a challenging time for businesses with many people finding themselves furloughed or out of work and we want to do all we can to help residents make a fresh start with a new job or retraining. 

“Our Work+ scheme will be open to everyone from the long-term unemployed and those recently made redundant, to graduates and college leavers who are just starting out in the working world.

“I would urge anyone who is looking for support in seeking a new role to get in touch and see how Work+ can help you.”