Matthew visited the Job Centre Plus in Edgware to see for himself how the service is helping people into work. At the last count (March 2012), the number of unemployed claimants in Hendon constituency was 2,616. This represents 4.9% of the economically active population aged 16 to 64, the 358th highest of the 650 UK constituencies. The good news, however, is that of this total, 51% manage to gain employment within 13 weeks and 90% achieve employment in 32 weeks.
Edgware Job Centre Plus works with Barnet Council and RENASI through the WorkFinder programme. A successful pilot of the WorkFinder programme was established on the Grahame Park Estate in Colindale. In partnership with Barnet College and other training providers, such as 5E, beneficiaries were offered access to vocational and skills-for-life training courses to improve their prospects of securing employment. This was achieved through one-to-one advice and guidance sessions, employability training, signposting to specialist support services, job brokerage and in-work support, tailored to the needs of the individuals.The pilot was successful in demonstrating the benefit of providing a specialist service such as WorkFinder in a geographical area with significantly higher levels of unemployment and out of work benefit claimants compared to the rest of the borough.
Matthew said: “I was unemployed after going to university. It was a miserable experience and I do not underestimate the difficulties some people are having finding employment. However, what I saw at the Edgware office was very encouraging. There is a very committed team of 48 staff, 29 of which directly advise people of the employment positions available. The introduction of technology has speeded up the searching process, allowing people to look at a huge range of jobs in different locations. Hearing first-hand about the WorkFinder programme was also interesting as I have already taken the opportunity to visit 5E to see for myself how they are helping people get back into work.”
Photo: Matthew is pictured using the automated vacancy machine which identifies employment opportunities in specific sectors, regions and salaries
