Support offered for long term unemployed

04 October 2012

15 people who had been unemployed for more than a year have now secured employment following an intensive pilot programme of support run by the Back to Work team at Social Security.

More than 60 people have so far received support, which is provided by three mentors and is an extension of the mentoring and support already provided to Islanders who are registered as actively seeking work.

All the individuals being supported by the Back to Work team are job-seekers eligible for employment under the Employment Grant Scheme.

Motivational training

The team is providing in-depth motivational and job-readiness training, including the two-day GOALS course, which promotes a proactive attitude to job-seeking. The programme also includes a weekly ‘job club’ at which mentors help clients to apply for specific jobs, write applications and speculative letters and organise work experience placements.

Social Security Minister Senator Francis Le Gresley said that the support built on the provision already available for job-seekers through existing schemes.

He said “The team is providing additional, intensive support where it is needed to ensure that our clients can make the most of current job opportunities. Initial feedback from clients has been incredibly positive with many taking full advantage of the renewed focus, change of routine and extra support.”

Employment grants

The programme works alongside the Employment Grant Scheme, which provides £7,200 to employers who provide permanent or long term roles to locally qualified, registered job-seekers who have been unemployed for 12 months or more.

Senator Le Gresley said “As well as encouraging employers to consider candidates who have been out of work for some time, we need to make sure that potential employees have the confidence and skills needed to return to work. The longer someone has been out of work, the harder they may find it to return, especially in an extremely competitive market place.”