Employment Minister backs tailored support for Clydebank Jobseekers

29/10/2021

Embargoed 10:15 10 January

10 January 2012

EMPLOYMENT MINISTER BACKS TAILORED SUPPORT FOR CLYDEBANK JOBSEEKERS

Around 223,000 unemployed people are expected to be supported through the Government’s Work Programme over the next five years across Scotland, Employment Minister Chris Grayling said today (Tuesday 10 January).

Chris Grayling visited The Lennox Partnership in Clydebank to find out first hand how the Work Programme is making a real difference to local jobseekers’ job prospects. While there, he heard about the experiences of those taking part in a programme which helps people to re-address their job goals and examine how their own behaviour and attitudes can be a barrier to making the successful move from benefits into work.

Speaking about the Work Programme, Chris Grayling said:

“I am really impressed with these innovative back-to-work sessions and the positive attitude of jobseekers I met today. It shows that the new Work Programme is starting to have a positive impact on the employment prospects of thousands across Scotland.

“The Work Programme is revolutionary in the way it tailors support to jobseekers’ needs and pays organisations primarily for getting people into sustained employment.

”People on out-of-work benefits who have previously been shunted from dole queue to training room to dole queue again will now finally be able to access tailored support.”

One local person who found success through the Work Programme is Elina. Unemployed for approx 12 months before joining the Work Programme, Elina previously worked for over 20 years within the employability sector before being made redundant in June 2010.

During this time she had a number of roles including personal assistant to a Chief Executive and gained an HNC in Office Administration and an SVQ Level 4 in Advice and Guidance.

This was a difficult period for Elina as she was very worried she would be unable to cope financially and support her family. Elina found it hard to keep motivated during her period of unemployment and felt despondent at times due to a lack of response from employers, despite her efforts, experience and qualifications. This also had an affect on her confidence levels.

Engaging with the Work Programme Elina felt encouraged to keep going with her job search and met with her consultant on a regular basis. Elina’s aim was ultimately to secure a post within the Employability Sector. She made use of job search facilities and hadone-to-one support on interview preparation.

A few months after joining the Work Programme a temporary post came up within the Strive for Families project at the Lennox Partnership. Elina applied for the job and was pleased to be offered the post which she started in October.

Elina found the encouragement she received invaluable and says she is now in a better position financially since gaining employment:

“I really appreciate the support I have received during my time with the Work Programme. Without this support and encouragement I think it would have been more difficult to get back into the workplace.”

Speaking on behalf of The Lennox Partnership, Working Links’ Director for Scotland, Helena Craw added:

“As a valued partner in delivering the Work Programme, Lennox Partnership brings a wealth of knowledge and understanding to the community in which they serve, Working together, our teams can bring sustainable employment opportunities for our customers.”

-ENDS-

Media Enquiries: 0131 310 1122

Out of hours: 07768258982

Website: www.dwp.gov.uk