Mrs Follett began by joining a business adviser from the government advice service Business Link East to find out more about its free Health Check for local companies. They went to a company which employs 175 staff at its premises in Honeywood Road, Basildon which was interested in identifying cost savings it could make by adopting greener working practices.
Later, Mrs Follett visited Jobcentre Plus in Basildon where she met the team of recruitment advisors and saw first hand how the new Local Employment Partnerships have been enabling the long-term unemployed in the area find work.
Barbara Follett, Minister for the East of England said:
"The Chancellor announced a substantial package of measures on Monday to ensure that those facing redundancy and those seeking employment are helped back into work as quickly and efficiently as possible.
"Despite recent rises in unemployment, there are jobs available in the region - more than 27,000 vacancies at any one time. Here in Basildon, 90 new jobs have been created at Boots in Lakeside, and another 50 at a warehousing operation in Grays."
"What is important is that people realise that should they lose their job, there is wide range of help on offer from Jobcentre Plus - from tips on filling in an application form to finding a training course to learn new skills and adapt to a changing job market."
Mrs Follett also urged employers to enter the Local Employment Partnership Awards which showcase some of the excellent work that has been taking place to encourage disadvantaged jobseekers into work.
"Only one week remains to nominate companies and individuals for the Local Employment Partnership Awards. I've heard today how the scheme has transformed the lives of people who previously felt they had very little hope in ever finding rewarding work."
Pat Smith Chief Executive of Business Link East who accompanied Mrs Follett said:
"Our health checks are a comprehensive business review that identify strengths, areas for improvement and issues for trading companies. Problems and opportunities may be obvious or hidden by a number of factors. Our business advisers can guide companies through the review, offer solutions and assist in writing a realistic action plan. And it is all free!"
