MP Suzanne Webb has visited Stourbridge Jobcentre to discuss the local employment market and initiatives to get young people back into work.
Suzanne met with employment advisor Ruth Trethewey and development manager Richard Sambrooks at the centre based in Lower High Street on Friday.
She was told that there were still plenty of jobs available in the constituency despite issues with the pandemic and lockdown.
She also asked for an update on the government’s £2 billion Kickstart scheme to help young people aged 16-24 who are at risk of long-term unemployment.
She was told staff were enthusiastic about the initiative and, so far, 18 young people had got work through it, including in small businesses, and 300 referrals had been made.
Under Kickstart, the government funds 100 per cent of the relevant National Minimum Wage hourly rate for 25 hours a week and signed up businesses can also apply for £1,500 per placement to cover costs, support and training.
“I would like to thank all of Stourbridge’s Jobcentre staff for all they have done during the pandemic to help people find work in such difficult times,” said Suzanne.
“I am pleased the local job market is holding up well and this very much shows Stourbridge’s resilience, but we know there will be tough employment times ahead - especially for young people who have been hit hardest by Covid.
“It was good to hear about the local success of Kickstart and how positive the jobcentre is about it. The initiative is now coming online nationally in numbers and it will help young people into work and gain vital experience.
“My agenda for Stourbridge is jobs, jobs, jobs as we build back better from the pandemic. I will do everything to make sure they come to the constituency and stay here too.”
