New support service to help Short Term Unemployed people into employment

A new service has been launched to ensure short term unemployed people in South West Wales get the practical hands on support needed to get into work.

Delivered by the highly experienced and skilled Workways+ team, they can now support people that have been unemployed for a day or years, thanks to an additional investment of £3m EU funds provided through the Welsh Government.  STU is available through Workways+ in Neath Port Talbot, Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion.

Picture  - Port Talbot resident Fiona Passmore has received employment and volunteering support from Workways+, the people  that are now also delivering the new Short Term Unemployed service. 

People accessing the STU service can expect one to one support from an experienced and caring employment mentor, working with them to develop their CV, completing job application forms, preparing for interviews and searching for jobs. They may also get fully funded skills training, clothes for interviews, PPE and work clothing. Unemployment can be traumatic and the mentor team understand this. They will help people build their confidence and get work ready. Every one of the mentor team takes great pride in how they help people and are thrilled when the people they help get jobs.

Cllr Rob Jones, the Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council said, “We are very pleased to be able to offer people in our communities an additional support service that is dedicated to helping people gain sustainable employment opportunities.  During these unprecedented times, and the challenges and pressures that they bring, this Short Term Unemployed initiative will provide invaluable and timely assistance to those who are in need of this type of support.”

Jeremy Miles, Counsel General and Minister for European Transition said: “This investment will help people experiencing short-term unemployment, many of whom as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. This is vital support that will help people get back into work quicker, learn new skills and benefit from fully funded training opportunities. Workways has helped thousands of people in South West Wales over many years so I’m pleased to provide this additional funding to respond to the difficulties many people are facing at the moment.”

Workways+ and STU are funded by the European Social Fund through the Welsh Government and staffed by officers employed by Neath Port Talbot Council, Carmarthenshire County Council, Pembrokeshire Council and Ceredigion County Council. Neath Port Talbot Council lead on both services.

To find your local office please see www.workways.wales