A new campaign to link up people looking for work during the Coronavirus crisis with businesses desperately in need of new staff has been launched, writes Chris Young.
Despite the economic turmoil caused by Covid-19, it is believed there are a wide range of job vacancies currently available within West Yorkshire, and many businesses are fighting to keep up with the new demands and challenges brought to them since the global pandemic hit the UK.
In response to this, the Employment Hub, an existing £9million European funded programme delivered by the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership along with nine delivery partners, has been swiftly adapted to match jobseekers to opportunities across the region.
The new project is a partnership with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.
Now, any individual or business is eligible to use the Employment Hub if they live or their business is based in Bradford, Calderdale, Craven, Harrogate, Kirklees, Leeds, Selby, Wakefield or York.
The wide range of jobs roles being currently advertised across the region, include health care workers and support staff, chefs, software technicians, call handlers, transport co-ordinators, web developers, drivers, and project managers.
Many employers are offering roles where employees can work from home, making roles more accessible to those who are self-isolating or with family members who are at a higher risk.
Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, Chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Leader of Bradford Council, said:
“In such a short time, Covid-19 has had a fast, but destructive, impact on the futures of businesses and their employees, creating an incredibly anxious time for individuals and an uncertain economic outlook for our region: but there are also new opportunities and gaps in the resourcing our workforce needs now to get through the crisis and plan for recovery.
“This extraordinary situation is difficult for everyone, so the Employment Hub, which we already operate successfully with all nine Leeds City Region Local Authorities, has been adapted to cope with this new situation.
“The hub will fulfil a need for the thousands of Leeds City Region jobseekers to successfully access great opportunities, and should be a destination for the region’s employers who need to find good people who, through no fault of their own, are now available on the market.”
A range of support packages have been adapted to respond to the new employment needs of both individuals and businesses here in Leeds City Region.
Job seekers can access the following support:
• One-to-one careers support
• Be matched to local job vacancies
• Speak to a careers adviser who understands the employment needs of the job seekers local area
Job seekers are encouraged to visit futuregoals.co.uk/careers-support and complete an online form to get involved.
Businesses can access the following support:
• Find new employees through the Employment Hub talent matching service
• Access support for employees who are at risk of or facing redundancy
• Gain support to hire a new apprentice
Businesses are encouraged to visit the-lep.com/employment-hub and complete an online form where a business engagement officer from their local hub will be in touch to offer impartial support.