JOBSEEKERS will soon be able to get specialist advice at three city libraries.
From next week, Jobcentre work coaches will be located at St Barnabas Library, Beaumont Leys Library and the Pork Pie Library & Community Centre.
They will be able to help local residents to find employment, for example by offering help with CVs and job searches. They will also be able to help calculate in-work benefits, offer interview coaching, and provide advice on training, action planning and other work-related activity. Work coaches will also assist people to help them overcome any barriers they might have to finding work, such as health problems or disabilities, childcare issues, budgeting or finance difficulties, substance misuse or offending.
The idea is to improve relationships with local residents by building awareness, especially with those who don’t usually access Jobcentre services, so that they know about the different types of jobseeking support available.
Assistant city mayor for neighbourhoods Cllr Kirk Master said: “We have been working closely with the Department for Work & Pensions to make this happen, particularly Carly Chapman, the service leader for Leicestershire and Northamptonshire. It’s been a very positive partnership and I’m really pleased that we will be locating Jobcentre work coaches in three of our multi-service centre libraries.
“Tackling worklessness and supporting vulnerable people in society is a priority for both Jobcentre Plus and Leicester City Council. This initiative will help us to achieve that aim, by giving people access to targeted support in a local neighbourhood setting.”
Carly added: “This partnership will offer a great opportunity for more localised support for jobseekers and the vulnerable in society. We look forward to working with Leicester City Council on this initiative.”
Work coaches will be available as follows, from week commencing 12 October:
St Barnabas Library: Tuesdays 10am-1pm. Tel: 0116 2995450
Beaumont Leys Library Wednesdays 1pm-4pm. Tel: 0116 2995460
Saffron Lane (Pork Pie) Library Thursdays 10am-1pm Tel: 0116 2995480
All libraries have covid-19 safety measures in place and interviews with the work coach will be by appointment only. Anyone who wants to make an appointment can call on the numbers above, or talk to a staff member at the library.
Translation services, British Sign Language and hearing loops can be made available where required.
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