Task Force searches out job vacancies across Swindon
With the numbers of redundancies at the Honda of the UK Manufacturing (HUM) plant now finalised, the Task Force set up to support workers leaving the vehicle manufacturer is readying itself for the Jobs Fair on 23 May.
A number of Swindon firms with current vacancies have already signed up to take part in the event at the Stanton House Hotel in South Marston. Those who have recently left HUM will be able to look at the kind of posts on offer, talk to these businesses and arrange interviews.
The Task Force is still eager to hear from any other organisations that have job vacancies. It is proactively contacting businesses across the area but also has a dedicated enquiry email for firms wishing to make contact at: taskforce@forwardswindon.co.uk. It will also be engaging with businesses at this week’s Swindon Business Show, to maximise the number of vacancies available to Honda workers at the Jobs Fair. Eleven organisations have already committed to participate in the Fair and the Task Force is awaiting confirmation from a further eight.
Between now and the Jobs Fair, the Task Force is also working with Honda to provide information and advice to those in the redundancy process.
Jill Annal, Project Manager for the Task Force, commented: “We are now moving into the phase where we know who will be looking for new career paths. This makes it more straightforward to offer practical help and put these candidates in touch with appropriate vacancies. We are working with the business community to maximise the opportunities for these people. We are also helping them directly to prepare for their new jobs.”
Ends
Notes to Editors
1. The Task Force includes:
Forward Swindon
Swindon Borough Council
The Department for Work & Pensions (DWP)
The Skills Funding Agency
The Department for Business, Innovation & Skills (BIS)
Business West
UKTI
The two Swindon MPs
Representatives of local businesses
2. On 25 March 2014, Honda of the UK Manufacturing Ltd announced 340 redundancies among its full time personnel (Associates). The reduction in staff numbers is a result of lower than expected sales in Europe. These redundancies will be effective from 23 May 2014.
3. For more details, contact: taskforce@forwardswindon.co.uk
4. As individuals are informed of decisions regarding redundancy, the Task Force is offering them a package of advice and practical help through a number of specialist organisations. These include:
- One-to-one sessions with qualified careers advisers
- Job search workshops
- One-to-one help sessions on money and budgets
- Help in getting new qualifications
- Advice on setting up in business
- Help to apply for new jobs through the Job Club
- Advice and support for people worried about the prospect of changing jobs
5. Swindon Business Fair is being held at STEAM in Swindon on Thursday 15 May. http://www.businesswest.co.uk/business-show-swindon
6. Forward Swindon is the company set up by Swindon Borough Council to develop the town’s economy and deliver regeneration for the benefit of those who live and work here. See www.forwardswindon.co.uk
7. Media enquiries to: Simon Napper at Forward Swindon. Email: SimonNapper@forwardswindon.org.uk Tel: 07790 828002