Help for redundant workers

Croydon fork lift truck driver Omar Jallo Jamboria is back at work after being made redundant thanks to support from a programme to help the recently unemployed.

Omar is in his early thirties and originally from Sierra Leone. He was recently made redundant from a Croydon-based manufacturer where had been working as a warehouse operative and fork lift truck driver. He attended a training workshop funded through South London Business's Response to Redundancy programme, organised by SOLOMAN (Society of London Manufacturers), where he was supported to produce a CV and consider his options. Omar's partner is due to give birth to twins in September and given this Omar was understandably anxious to secure employment as quickly as possible.

SOLOMAN circulated Omar's CV among local companies, one of which, Price Kitchens, expressed an interest. An interview was arranged with Price Kitchens and Omar was coached through the interview process. Omar was successful in securing employment at Price Kitchens as a warehouse/delivery person and he has expressed his gratitude for helping to get back into the labour market so swiftly and at such an important time for his family.

South London Business has been allocated £2.3m out of a £17m government and European Social Fund to help 4,300 South Londoners through training in the Response to Redandancy programme. The money will be used to help people who are currently under notice of redundancy or are unemployed, offering them free, flexible training to boost their skills so they can move quickly back into work.

Companies that may be about to issue notices of redundancy or individuals who are out of work or have received a notice of redundancy are eligible for funding. For further information, text REDUNDANT to 60777 or telephone 020 8666 0221

The Response to Redundancy programme forms part of Croydon's Economic Recovery Plan which aims to help local people and businesses survive the recession. The plan was drawn up earlier this year by Croydon Council and Croydon Business in partnership with a range of key agencies, including South London Business, Croydon College, JobCentre Plus, Croydon Enterprise, Envibe, Safer Croydon, Croydon  Business Venture, Business Link, and Croydon Voluntary Action.  The plan is currently being led by the new Croydon Economic Development Company.  Full details can be found here.