| Usdaw welcomes increased Government support for getting the unemployed back into work |
12 January 2009
Shopworkers' union, Usdaw, is welcoming the Government announcement that £500million is to be invested in supporting the longer term unemployed back into work.
Under the measures to be introduced by April, Jobcentre Plus will be able to award firms up to £2,500 for every person they recruit and train who has been out of work for more than six months.
John Hannett, Usdaw General Secretary, commented:
"Many workers are worried about their employment future as a result of the current economic problems. We have already seen employees, such as thousands of Woolworths staff, lose their jobs. These measures to support employment and encourage firms to recruit staff are very good news.
This latest announcement comes on top of a recent Government announcement of additional investment and support for Apprenticeships. Usdaw welcomes the package of measures which represents decisive Government action which is just what the economy needs at this difficult time.
The recession has already resulted in a number of high-profile retailers, such as Woolworths and MFI going into administration with the loss of thousands of jobs. At the same time, many of the very big retailers are reporting good sales figures. Usdaw is calling on all retailers not to rush in and make redundancies when most of the retail sector will survive the current economic difficulties.
We do face uncertain times in the economy and all workers should seriously consider joining a trade union to get advice and representation."