Hosted by Epsom Job Centre Plus, the DWP Partnership Forum is a gathering of local employment support groups. At a time of huge uncertainty about jobs, its June meeting was a chance to share experience and knowledge for the benefit of clients.
JCP work coaches have kept in touch with clients remotely and continued to see vulnerable customers throughout the crisis. Things are changing all the time but they don’t expect a return to business as usual before autumn.
Green agenda jobs expected to grow
JCP reported their analysis of demand for staff and skills. Predictably the sectors recruiting at present are health and social care, driving, cleaning and IT. They expect construction and green agenda jobs to be more important in the year ahead. They’re working closely with colleges and training providers to make sure young people get the help they need.
CARBS: ‘unprecedented demand’
For Citizens Advice Reigate and Banstead, Benefits Adviser Juliet Barclay said demand for help with universal credit and employment issues had been unprecedented, especially from young and older age groups. The charity had recruited 2 new advisers who would complete their training in July. At present, the service was by telephone and email with conference line facilities to help clients with telephone claims. Read more
Partnership members attending the forum: Epsom and Ewell Citizens Advice, Epsom and Ewell Borough Council Housing, EEBC Skills Hub, Ethos (supports for people who are unemployed or working less than 16 hours per week), Mount Green Housing Association, Stoneleigh Job Club, WEA.
More information about the partnership from Epsom Job Centre Plus