The team at Council-run Halton People Into Jobs have continued to provide vital employment support for local residents during the Covid19 pandemic.
Although this Halton Borough Council service has been closed to the public since mid-March, HPIJ staff have worked diligently to ensure that support has remained accessible across the borough, keeping in regular contact with existing customers to offer help and reassurance where required.
During this period advisors have given practical help to customers which has involved signposting to help improve key skills, job search techniques including CV advice, help with applications and interviews, job matching to immediate employment opportunities and funding to start work. HPIJ have also continued to provide support to those individuals who are in work to help them keep their jobs, where possible, during this difficult period.
HPIJ encourages referrals from local residents who would benefit from accessing their employment programmes and receive help to look for, or prepare for, work. Their various employment programmes, such as Ways to Work, are available to unemployed Halton residents (certain eligibility criteria and referral process does apply).
HPIJ staff help individuals remove, or manage, specific barriers to work including debt, health conditions, reliance on foodbanks etc by working closely with a wide range of partners.
Employment Liaison Officers are working closely with employers that are able to provide employment opportunities to Halton residents. They are also supporting self-employed individuals that need advice, support, and signposting to various government initiatives.
HPIJ will continue to deliver services remotely by phone or email over the coming weeks and we are currently planning for our Runcorn and Widnes offices to reopen upon government advice and the easing of restrictions.
Customers have praised HPIJ for their support:
“Halton People into Jobs supported us to rapidly mobilise a team for our new step-down facility Lilycross. We are delighted that local unemployed people have been able to support Catalyst Choices’ response to Covid-19 and play their part for their community.” Grace Nolan, Business Manager, Capacity.
“Halton People into Jobs has helped me enormously. The programme uplifted me so much, which allowed me to start believing in myself again. My advisor contacted me regularly to talk through various areas of support that would help me get back to work. The support I received motivated me. I am grateful I was invited to join this programme as I am now in full time work doing the job I enjoy.” Julie Walsh, Halton resident.
Cllr Eddie Jones, Portfolio Holder for Economic Development, commended the work of the Council’s Employment, Learning & Skills Division during lockdown: “Many of our Halton residents accessing Halton People into Jobs and Adult Learning services suddenly found their routine of coming into our centres overturned. The team worked swiftly to set up virtual remote support for learners and customers to ensure consistency of service and access to familiar activities. Halton Borough Council is committed to providing employment and skills advice and guidance during closure of centres and will work closely with our partners and customers as we takes steps to gradually open up again, ensuring the health and safety of all concerned.”
If you are unemployed and want help to look for work please contact Halton People into Jobs on 0151 511 7555 or email hpij@halton.gov.uk
If you are an employer that would like to access free support with your recruitment please contact Halton People into Jobs on 0151 511 7555 or email hpij@halton.gov.uk
