Hackney,
17
June
2021
|
08:25
Europe/London

Newly-opened Jobcentre Plus on Council campus ‘crucial to getting Hackney residents back into work’

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A five-floor Jobcentre Plus which opened for business with the aspiration of helping Hackney residents into work has been formally opened and championed by the Mayor of Hackney. 

The Council completed the letting of the Annex at 2 Hillman Street to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) earlier this year. This builds on the Council’s collaboration with DWP and partners New City College to enhance opportunities for young people in the borough, many of whom have been hit hard by the pandemic financially and face entering a challenging labour market.

Hackney Works, the Council’s free employment support service, will be working within the building in partnership with Jobcentre Plus to maximise resources and ensure that our local knowledge and expertise can be used to boost access to work for residents who are suffering from unemployment. 

Cllr Carole Williams, Cabinet Member for Employment, Skills and Human Resources
“After a tough year for so many, this amazing repurposed building which is a stone’s throw from the Hackney Service Centre will be crucial in helping residents find employment and take advantage of the fantastic opportunities available in the borough.

“This partnership work is all part of our Inclusive Economy strategy which focuses on the creation of meaningful, quality paid employment opportunities for Hackney residents and school leavers, ensuring everyone can benefit from Hackney’s economic growth.”
Cllr Carole Williams, Cabinet Member for Employment, Skills and Human Resources
“There’s a huge amount of energy and aspiration in the building from the amazing work coaches and employers who are all geared towards helping Hackney residents to get back into work and take that next step in their careers. I heard firsthand, from this inspiring team, just how many hundreds of residents are seeing their talents unlocked and securing new jobs over the past few weeks.

“The letting of surplus office space to the DWP will also generate a £1million saving for the Council, which is most welcome at this time whilst there is ever increasing demands on Council resources.”
Mayor of Hackney Philip Glanville

Young people visiting the Jobcentre Plus will be able to get involved in the paid Kickstart scheme, which is helping to put 16 to 24 year olds on universal credit to launch their careers, with placements on offer in Hackney industries including technology, fashion and the green economy. 

Funding covers the relevant National Minimum Wage for 25 hours a week over six months, with the Council asking employers to top up wages to a minimum of £8.72 per hour.

There is also an equally aspirational offer for the over 25s and those of all ages who may need extra support or help into supported employment.

This joint collaboration builds on the MoU signed by Mayor Glanville and Dave Keogh, Group Partnership Manager London, JCP back in March.