Following the release of the latest labour market statistics, it is clear that redundancy is still affecting many businesses in the current economic climate, regardless of sector.

But help is still available until mid December this year to support the employees of businesses that are faced with redundancy, thanks to workforce development specialists TCHC.  The company’s Response to Redundancy programme assists businesses to give their staff a head start in finding new employment. The package includes advice, guidance and re-training opportunities to help individuals prepare for a new job, a new career path or a business start-up after redundancy.

Head of Redundancy Support Lorraine Gimson explained that the package has proved invaluable for the former staff of PartnerTech, a company in the manufacturing sector.

Lorraine said: “PartnerTech announced several redundancies earlier this year. Luckily employees who were at risk were referred to our Response to Redundancy programme.” 

The guidance from Lorraine and her team – provided free of charge to staff – included one-to-one information, advice and guidance sessions, along with CV writing and interview technique workshops.

As first point of action, employees attended a presentation which explained what the project was about. Thereafter staff members were able to receive one-to-one support from one of TCHC’s Advisers. Grants were also available for various types of training to help employees prepare for a new job or self-employment.

When asked about his participation in the project, Pen Rasberry from PartnerTech commented, “I had worked at the company for 15 ½ years before being made redundant, so I had no idea how to act in an interview or how to write out my CV.”

He added, “The training I attended was very good and well presented. Lots of things were said, and if you really thought about it, some of it was basic common sense, but had never entered my mind until the session. I am really glad I had the session.  Certainly opened my eyes to what should and shouldn’t be done.”

After participating in the project, Pen was able to secure new employment with ASDA as an Ambient Twilight Assistant.

The Response to Redundancy package is fully funded by the East of England Development Agency and the European Social Fund, meaning there is no cost to employers or staff members.

The services of TCHC, which also include guidance on apprenticeship programmes as well as advice on grants and funding options, are available at no cost.  To date TCHC has helped over 45,000 businesses to develop tailored support packages that have improved morale, productivity and turnover for many.

To find out more about the Response to Redundancy programme, call 01923 698457 or visit www.tchc.net

ENDS

Notes to editor

About TCHC

TCHC is a specialist company in business and workforce development solutions operating throughout the East of England, offering expert advice across all industry sectors.

The company has contracts with the East of England Development Agency, European Social Fund and others to engage with employers and employees to discuss government-funded training and support opportunities. Visit www.tchc.net for more details.

About Response to Redundancy

The Response to Redundancy programme offers employers and their staff funded advice, guidance and re-training opportunities to help prepare individuals for a new job, a new career or business start-up after redundancy. Response to Redundancy is co-financed by the East of England Development Agency and the European Social Fund. Visit www.tchc.net/services/response-to-redundancy for more information.

For further information, please contact:

Vega Sims at TCHC on 01923 698 430 or email vega.sims(@)tchc.net