New Jobcentre set to spring up in the city
A new temporary Jobcentre is to be opened at Sunderland Software Centre as part of the Government’s ongoing Plan for Jobs.
The Department for Work andPensions(DWP)saysitwill open in spring and is expected to be operational by April.
DWP have taken a temporary lease on around 18,000 sq ft of space in the building. A new access point will be put in placeatthecentretoenablethe service to have its own ‘front door’ for residents making use of the support.
Work has begun to create the Jobcentre on one side of the building, rising from the ground floor through to the second floor.
The temporary Jobcentre willbeabletosupportapproximately 100 Work Coaches, and it is hoped that the service will helpresidentstofindnewroles that match their skills and experience.TheexistingJobcentres will remain open.
Leader of Sunderland City Council, Cllr Graeme Miller, said: “Sunderland has made some incredibly positive announcements recently about new employers coming to the city, and connecting our residents – many of whom have been hit by the pandemic – to these fantastic opportunities, as well as others with existing employers, is vital.’’
“This new DWP support in the heart of the city will enable targeted support to be given to those who need it most, from a base that is easily accessible due to the excellent transport
links in the city centre.
"It’s critical that we do everything we can to make sure our residents are in as strong a position as possible to access vital jobs as the city recovers from the impact of the pandemic, and indeed to connect our innovative businesses to talented people who can drive their growth.”
JillMcKinney,headofskills at Sunderland Software City, who are tenants within the Software Centre, said: “The service will bridge the skillsemployment gap through upskilling,providingatalent-pool for some of the employment opportunities centre tenants may have.”