MP Secures Assistance For Safeway Workers From Minister

Warrington North MP HELEN JONES has secured a number of promises from Employment Minister Margaret Hodge for the workers made redundant from the Safeway Distribution centre.

Answering a question from the MP about what support would be given to the workforce Margaret Hodge announced that funding had been approved to enable the Jobcentre Plus Rapid Response Service to support them in various ways.  A Skills Training Analysis would be conducted to assess existing skills and extra funding made available for training.  Jobcentre Plus would also attend meeting with the company’s Human Resources team,hold one to one briefing sessions for staff, place financial advisers with the company, hold a mini Jobsfair, conduct benefit interviews, and arrange for Personal Advisers to contact staff off sick to offer assistance.

HELEN JONES said:

"It is never good news when jobs are lost and the impact on individuals and families can be very traumatic. That is why everything possible should be done to assist those losing their jobs and why the statement from the minister is so welcome. The range of measures she announced should better help people to secure alternative employment or retraining."