Forum unites skills support
ROSSENDALE Borough Council have held the first ever Employability and Skills Forum in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The forum brought together representatives from a wide variety of organisations to promote collaboration between the groups and the existing employability and support programmes in the valley.
The group will meet every quarter to identify any gaps in the provision in order to further support residents in Rossendale.
Council leader Alyson Barnes said: “There’s no doubt that the pandemic has had a devastating effect on businesses and jobs across the borough.
“We’ve seen a 118 percent increase in people actively looking for work between March and November last year and it’s important the council lead the way in bringing organisations and agencies together to help the residents of Rossendale.”
The forum had representatives from Lancashire Skills Hub, Lancashire Careers Hub, Department for Work and Pensions, Prince’s Trust,
Active Lancashire, Newground Together, Christians Against Poverty, Burnley FC and Procure Plus.
Coun Barnes added:
“We want to build on this and develop our relationships with local providers to create a powerful response to improving levels of employment in Rossendale and upskilling local residents.”
You can contact the council at economicdevelopment@ rossendalebc.gov.uk or 01706 252480.