Council leaders have drawn up a battle plan to help thousands of workers facing redundancy find new jobs, develop fresh skills or start their own businesses.
Derby City Council has launched what it says is a comprehensive programme of free support to help people whose livelihoods have been impacted by the economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic.
The help includes online workshops and a virtual jobs fair and is part of the Derby Economic Recovery Task Force response to the Covid-19 crisis.
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The council is working alongside the National Careers Service, Department for Work and Pensions, Derby Adult Learning service and East Midlands Chamber.
Gareth O’Donovan, the council’s head of economic growth said the initiative was part of a redundancy and redeployment pledge that the authority was making to workers and employers.
He said: “We want people to know that we are with them at this difficult time and will do all we can to help displaced employees find new jobs.
“We will also work with companies who fear they may have to make reductions in their headcount to understand their options and to help their staff connect with new opportunities.”
Key features of the programme include:
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A redundancy to employment virtual jobs fair, hosted on Twitter between 11am and 1pm on Friday, October 2. It will feature postings of hundreds of vacancies and allow participants to interact directly with employers such as Network Rail.
A series of virtual workshops, run by the National Careers Service, to help people understand how their existing skills might transfer to fresh opportunities and get advice on gaining new skills. There will also be help with job-hunting, information on further and higher education and sign-posting to other support services.
Virtual employability courses, delivered by Derby Adult Learning, to help people with CVs, understanding job adverts and job specifications, completing an effective job application and standing out in an interview.
An opportunity to register with a manufacturing, engineering and construction web portal which directly connects candidates with businesses. The web service is provided by Talent Retention Solutions and lets job-hunters not only to apply for hundreds of vacancies but also upload their details for potential employers to view. Click here for details.
A free programme of online workshops and support for budding entrepreneurs, delivered by East Midlands Chamber and jointly supported by Derbyshire County Council, the D2 Business Starter Programme. It will help participants work out their business goals, understand their customers, and get to grips with commercial and financial planning.
Coun Matthew Holmes, deputy leader of Derby City Council said the authority and its partners wanted to give practical support.
He said: “We know that people losing their jobs because of the economic downturn caused by coronavirus will be concerned about the future.
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“But we want to ensure that there is expert help available.
“Derby is determined not to be beaten by this terrible virus.
“We are working hard with our partners to support businesses, attract investment and create new opportunities.
“We will do all we can to ensure that talented local workers are well-placed to benefit from those opportunities.”