Long-term unemployed people and potential employers in Swansea met yesterday (Friday 26 February) with Welsh Assembly GovernmentLesley Griffiths, at the official opening of the flagship Working Links office in the city. Deputy Minister for Science, Innovation and Skills,
In the ten years since it was established, Working Links has helped more than 17,000 people to find and retain employment across Wales, often after long periods without work.
The refurbished and enlarged facility at Alexandra House, Swansea is part of the organisation’s £11 million UK-wide investment in new facilities, equipment and staff training. The investment is specifically geared towards the delivery of a £120 million Flexible New Deal contract in South West Wales and the South Wales Valleys with the Department for Work and Pensions.
Welcoming the Deputy Minister to the office, Deri ap Hywel, Operations Manager for Working Links in South West Wales, explained the range of support, mentoring and practical assistance that is offered to long term unemployed people through Working Links.
He said: “We work with people at a very personal level in a bid to find out why they are having problems securing and keeping a job. Only once we understand those issues can we work together to reduce or remove the barriers to employment, such as confidence, skills, motivation and financial concerns.”
After touring the facility and meeting with staff, customers and employers, Lesley Griffiths said Welfare to Work delivery organisations play a key role in helping people achieve their goals of sustained employment and helping people overcome barriers to employment.
“The Welsh Assembly Government is committed to improving social inclusion, economic participation and the health and wellbeing of all communities. Working Links and the partnerships it has forged with Government, the third sector and private sector organisations is playing an important and substantial role in driving that agenda.
“Partnership is an important element of the work carried out by Working Links and is critical to ensuring successful outcomes for the people it helps. My visit has provided an excellent opportunity to see first hand how Working Links demonstrates its dedication and commitment to helping people back to work and this new facility in the heart of Swansea will bring much needed support and resources to the area.”
The Deputy Minister met with various Working Links customers, including Dai Morrell, from Penlan, Swansea. Mr Morrell said: “I have worked my whole career in construction and found it very difficult since my last company went under. It is very frustrating when you are trying to find a job and your efforts just don’t come to anything. My Working Links consultant has helped me rewrite my CV and I have a has few interviews already as a result. After 14 months out of work, I am feeling confident about the future.”
Wales Director for Working Links, Marcella Maxwell, said: “We have worked with around 60,000 people in Wales over the past decade, improving their lives and their futures through training, support and job opportunities. This office has only been open a few months and we are already working with more than 500 customers and 60 employers in the area to create sustainable training, employment and careers.
“Our partnerships with local businesses is crucial to the support we offer our customers. It is essential that employers recognise the wealth of talent that is available to them among long term unemployed people. Coupled with the bespoke training we offer, that ready supply of workers is a real benefit to local businesses seeking to grow.”
