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A pioneering project in Oldham has seen employees facing redundancy due to the closure of the Oldham based Slumberland factory, helped into education, employment and training following the successful delivery of a job related support package by partnership agencies.
‘Once we knew about the site closure we understood that this would have a massive impact for individuals, families and Oldham in general. We needed to act quickly so that by the time the site closed workers would be ready to move into something else.’ Explains Alison Wells, Skills for Life Co-ordinator, Oldham Council.
Around 250 employees stood to lose their jobs once the site closed at the end of March, so with the cooperation of the Slumberland Human Resource team a support package was designed, delivering employment related support and training and made available to all those on site Resources were provided on site, including the installation of a computer suite providing internet and job searching facilities, and staff from a range of organisations including Jobcentre Plus, Highway to Opportunities (H2O), Standguide, The Oldham College, Oldham Training Company (OTC) and Oldham Council were based on site Monday to Thursday through February and March, delivering support sessions on a range of topics to employees.
The aim of this activity was to offer support to employees to help them into employment, training or further education as quickly and seamlessly as possible. The key was to offer support packages tailored to individual needs Clients were offered a range of courses and support including: ·
- Employment related license courses (FLT, Hiab, ADR)
- · I.T training ·
- Introduction to self employment ·
- 1-2-1 sessions with specialised advisors ·
- Job searching facilities including assistance with CV and Application Form completion
The end of the first phase was marked with an event at H2O, where clients attended a presentation evening to reflect all the hard work which has gone into the programme, from both individuals and organisations. To date around half of the 250 affected by this closure have gained employment elsewhere, or are accessing the programmes support services.
‘Though this doesn’t mean the support has ended for these clients’ Adds Alison,
‘We are continuing to offer information, advice and guidance for those affected by this closure. ’
Anyone affected by the closure of the Slumberland Oldham site can call a special hotline dedicated to this project on 0161 621 9699
For more information contact Nyree Hood, Marketing and Communications Officer, Positive Steps Oldham 0161 621 9395 or e mail nyreehood@positivestepsoldham.org.uk
Notes to Editors
The Slumberland Oldham site was closed at the end of March 2008 Partner agencies providing support to the project include Highway to Opportunities, Standguide, Positive Steps Oldham, Job centre Plus, The Oldham College, Oldham Lifelong Learning Service, Oldham Training Company and Oldham Council
The Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) is responsible for the sustainable economic development and regeneration of England’s Northwest and has five key priorities: Business, Skills and Education, People and Jobs, Infrastructure and Quality of Life. A photo of some of the Slumberland employees are attached along with members of the task force.
