Thurrock News
Helping Thurrock get back into work
8:00am Monday 6th February 2012
AS unemployment figures continue to soar across Thurrock, a Government-funded scheme is offering a helping hand to get more residents back to work.
As part of the Government’s work programme scheme Ingeus, a welfare to work organisation, is offering a tailored support network to help the county’s growing unemployed.
Offering workshops, interview skills sessions and CV writing service, the company also focuses on the health and well-being of job hunters.
Since setting up base in Grays seven months ago, Ingeus has already helped scores of residents, including long term unemployed as well as residents with disabilities and mental health problems.
Covering Grays, Aveley, South Ockendon, Tilbury, and Stanford-le-Hope, the scheme works through a referral system from the Job Centre.
Co-ordinator Michelle Burningham believes experience and knowledge of various industries is crucial to finding people the right job.
She said: “It is very important to have a service like this because it means someone is always there to give you support and encouragement, especially if you have been out of work for a long time.
“It is long, exhausting and tiring trying to find a job, but if you know there is someone there to support you it makes it easier.
“Anything like this is a help but as long as we are providing a service to the community it will be beneficial.“ Free exercise classes, sleep sessions, stress management as well as classes on healthy eating are also on offer for clients as part of the company’s programme to get as many residents back to work as possible.
Thurrock MP Jackie Doyle-Price said the scheme had exceeded expectations. She said: “This is one of the flagship achievements of the coalition government.
“It is tackling long-term unemployment to make sure everybody can get work by allowing people to access the support they need.
“It isn’t good enough to simply leave people to live on benefits when they are capable of and want to work.
“I am pleased with the efforts made by Ingeus to build links with local employers and identify hidden vacancies.”