This week the Minister began a series of visits in the region to find out more about help available to local businesses and residents during the current economic downturn.
Ms Follett said:
"There are groups in the East of England who are feeling the economic downturn more acutely than most and that is why I welcome the new support given to them by the Chancellor in the Pre-Budget Report. In this the Government sets out help for low and middle income taxpayers: homeowners facing financial difficulty and those at risk of redundancy.
"There already is support in place to help employees and employers through the current climate in the Eastern region. I welcome the substantial package of measures to ensure that those facing redundancy or seeking employment are helped back into work as quickly and efficiently as possible. This will help with the 30,028 job vacancies that were notified to Jobcentre Plus in the East of England in October 2008."
The Minister went on to endorse a number of projects, which aim to create new jobs, investment and training opportunities into the East of England. Details of these projects are listed below:
Suffolk
As the impact of the credit crunch starts to be felt by local businesses in Suffolk, Babergh District Council is reminding employers who may be about to lay-off staff of the practical help that is available to them and their workforces.
Babergh is part of the Suffolk Redundancy Network (SRN), an East of England Development Agency-funded partnership which includes local councils, Jobcentre Plus, enterprise agencies and local training providers. SRN provides support to individuals being made redundant.
If a major redundancy is proposed, Jobcentre Plus is able to offer a rapid response package through tapping into a Government fund providing on site talks and advice (such as CV writing, job search, interview skills) and retraining to those affected.
According to Neil Henry, Babergh's Community Development Manager and Chairman of the SRN: 'the key message to businesses considering lay-offs is: 'don't delay in getting hold of us'! Firms making or thinking of making redundancies should seek support as early as possible so that the SRN can maximise its help'.
Luton
The University of Bedfordshire is helping local people develop skills in first line management through their 'Learn to Manage' career management course. The programme, which leads to a recognised qualification from the Institute of Leadership Management (ILM), has been designed to be flexible to enable those in full-time employment to study the course. The flexible nature of the course fits neatly into the lives of working people striving to balance work, life and family and is open to people employed in small to medium sized businesses, living or working in objective 2 areas of Luton. This includes voluntary, charitable and not for profit organisations (excluding public sector organisations).
Essex
The Regional Minister recently opened the Stansted Employment and Skills Academy, where support is on hand in the form of an employment matching service for the wide range of employers located on the site. The collaborative project between the private and public sector also provides pre-employment training for those who find it difficult to enter the employment market.
The Academy was a prelude to the Regional Talent Debate led by the Regional Minister which brought together, for the first time, over 150 organisations including businesses, public sector partners, providers and the voluntary sector.
Hertfordshire
In Hertfordshire, the Stevenage Skills Centre is responding to an established local need, providing construction, engineering and technology training for 14-19 year olds. The Centre is driving a partnership project with schools to support specialised diplomas and also extends further training opportunities to a wide range of people from all backgrounds and all ages.
Bedfordshire
A new 'Pay Plus' payment process has been launched by Bedfordshire County Council, which aims to promote Business Link Advice to small and medium sized businesses as well as helping to improve faster payment of invoices. Any small business, which supplies to the council, is eligible to join the scheme. Once registered the company will be entitles to fast track payment of invoices as soon as possible or within 20 days instead of the normal 30 days. The 10 day difference is crucial in helping small businesses pay their bills and staff a lot quicker therefore helping them to survive in the present economic climate.
Mrs Follett added:
"These are good examples of the type of flagship projects which are bringing vital investment and job creation into the East of England.
