Weaver Vale helps customers back to work during lockdown
Weaver Vale helps customers back to work during lockdown
New jobs have helped people who were out of work earn over £1 million in extra income gains since the pandemic hit.
As the number of people out of work in the UK continues to rise, Weaver Vale Housing Trust is supporting customers more than ever to secure employment and a stable income. Since March 2020, the Trust has secured 88 jobs, amounting to over £1 million in additional income gains for customers.
Figures released this week show that nationally, unemployment has risen to 5% and redundancy rates in people aged 25 to 34 has increased by five times on the previous year. 1.72 million people are jobless, which is the highest level in five years.
Forming part of the wider Income Team, the specialist Work and Enterprise Team offer valuable job seeking support and guidance for customers. They have developed strong links with private and public sector employers and support agencies, along with knowledge of local services this makes employment opportunities more accessible.
Sarah Saward, Head of Income at Weaver Vale said: “The impact that the pandemic is having on the jobs market is still very much being felt. These latest national figures are disheartening, but we are determined to continue supporting our customers through this difficult time as part of our commitment to tackling inequality and building back fairer”.
“I’m really proud of the support we’ve provided over the last year and the results we’ve seen. We’re very aware that the need for this service may increase in the coming months, and we’ll be doing all we can to continue helping our customers.”
Sarah believes that housing associations have a vital role to play in helping people through the pandemic, not only maintaining financial stability, but helping to provide support and guidance to enable a more secure future.
She added: “Housing associations have a much bigger role to play in our communities than simply providing accommodation. We exist to help people improve their lives, and we’ve stepped up more than ever during this pandemic to do that.”
ENDS
For more information contact Lucy Goldsmith, Marketing and Communication Manager on 07980 651 800 or email lucy.goldsmith@wvht.co.uk