By Shantelle Gondo
Leicester libraries are helping those seeking jobs within their neighbourhoods.
In alignment to the Government’s Plan for Jobs, Jobcentre Plus has joined forces with the Leicester City Council helping residents to find jobs.
The scheme aims to support and help those highly affected during the pandemic and is looking to hire 13,500 new work coaches across England, having some already in place this week from today, Thursday (OCT28).
Paul Gisbey, who is the Jobcentre Service Leader, said: “We are constantly looking for opportunities to reach out to our local communities.
“Undertaking outreach services in local libraries is an essential part of that work.
“We are very grateful to Leicester City Council for making this possible because this will be a valuable service.
“Working in the community supports some of our most vulnerable customers and I know it will make a difference to the people looking for work and seeking support.”
The service is open to everyone, and residents are required to make an appointment by calling their local library.
Other than job seeking, the services also include helping individuals with calculating in-work benefits, interview coaching, advice and specialist support to tackle barriers residents may be facing such as childcare and health.
A Leicester local resident, Anita Zayena, 26, said: “I think it’s really considerate that the council is helping people seek for jobs, because sometimes it gets really difficult especially being a single mother losing your job during the pandemic, it really can be stressful.”
Work coaches are available in these areas:
- St Barnabas Library
- Beaumont Leys Library
- Pork Pie Library & Community Centre
- New Park Centre
- Highfields Library
For more information and advice visit: https://news.leicester.gov.uk/news-articles/2021/october/job-seeking-support-in-more-city-libraries/ or call any of the Libraries listed above.
