A new Jobs and Skills Hub has opened to help Newcastle residents affected by the economic consequences of the coronavirus pandemic.
The hub brings employment, training and careers support together, giving residents one clear route into advice and opportunities.
Thousands of people across Newcastle face redundancy, reduced hours or uncertainty about their future. Young people entering the labour market are also doing so at an exceptionally difficult time.
Residents seeking help can often find the number of organisations and programmes confusing. Bringing services together will make it easier for people to understand their options and receive support matched to their circumstances.
The hub will connect residents with current vacancies, training programmes and careers guidance. It will also work with employers to understand recruitment needs and identify the skills required in growing parts of the economy.
Our Labour-led council wants Newcastle’s recovery to protect employment and create opportunities for people in every community.
The pandemic has not affected all residents equally. People already facing insecure work, lower incomes or barriers to employment are at greater risk of being left behind.
Labour councillors will share information about the hub through their wards and help residents connect with the available assistance.
National investment will be essential to prevent long-term unemployment, particularly among young people. We will continue pressing the government for support proportionate to the scale of the crisis.
By coordinating local services now, Newcastle can help residents return to secure employment and build a fairer economic recovery.
Newcastle Labour Cabinet Member, Cllr Ged Bell said:
“Residents who have lost work or face an uncertain future need one clear route into advice, training and vacancies. The Jobs and Skills Hub brings those services together and will help Newcastle support people back towards secure employment.”