The theme for this year’s Employability Day is #WorkingForBetterWork. The way we work has changed, and the UK labour market continues to transform. Working from home is now the norm for many people, the cost-of-living crisis means we’re seeing more in-work poverty, and we continue to see economic activity, particularly in certain groups such as older people.
Not everyone is born with the same opportunities. But Abri can help level the playing field. We believe it doesn’t matter where you’re from. It’s about where you’re going. And we’ve got a whole team to help people get there.
Supporting customers into work
Our Employment Services can help you into employment, give you the confidence and skills to find a job, explore opportunities or take that next step on the career ladder.
Even when you’ve found a job, we can stay in touch to help you develop further and provide more support and advice. We offer support in person at our local hubs, as well as over the phone and online support.
In the last financial year we supported 576 people into employment or a better career. During a cost-of-living crisis, this is a really important success. Every job secured is a life enhanced.
Michelle, an Abri resident from Petersfield, has been supported into full-time employment and with a Discretionary Housing Payment to support paying off her rent arrears. The team are continuing to support her as she plans her next career steps.
“Getting back into work has enabled me to clear my rent arrears which means I am no longer at risk of eviction. It has also given me a huge boost, increased my sense of self-worth, improved my family relationships, and improved my mental health. I am now much happier and more confident.”
Monitoring the employment environment
By tracking redundancies and looking at where job opportunities are opening up, we’re better able to tailor our support. We work on a local level, using both our insight into labour markets and knowledge of communities, to learn best how we can increase employment in each area. We connect with partners at local job centres and authorities to take collaborative approaches where possible and that spirit of collaboration is what will steer us this year. Alone we can play our part, but together we can do so much more. Watch this space.
Find out more about our employment services here.
Debra Scarratt, Group Employment Services Manager