UK Government’s Employment Minster Alison McGovern MP visited Blackwood Miner’s Institute last week for a roundtable discussion on welfare support.
The event, hosted by Ruth Jones MP, coincides with the Government inviting feedback on its proposals to “Get Britain Working”, which include strengthening workers’ rights and overhauling Jobcentres, with a public consultation that runs until 30 June.
Caerphilly Council’s Employment Support Team were part of the discussions as well as representatives from external organisations and their customers.
The Employment Support Team uses the UK Government Shared Prosperty Fund and Welsh Government funding to deliver community-based employability support. The team aim to provide sustainable employment and tackle inequality by focusing support on individuals who are most disadvantaged in the labour market.
The programme provides one-to-one support, with dedicated mentors who help participants to address barriers to employment and fully-funded training to increase their confidence and skills.
Cllr Jamie Pritchard, Deputy Leader, commented, “Here in Caerphilly County Borough, we are taking great strides to support people into employment. Our Employment Support Team are working with employers daily, with the ambition to support over 1,000 underemployed and unemployed people over the coming year.
The roundtable in Blackwood Miners’ Institute was an important opportunity to listen, learn, and explore practical ways to help people overcome barriers and build brighter futures.”
Minister for Employment, Alison McGovern, said: “It has been fantastic to be here in Blackwood today with Ruth Jones MP and the Deputy Council Leader Jamie Pritchard, to hear from people and organisations with lived experience of the welfare system.”
