MP opens centre for jobless (From Leigh Journal)

MP opens centre for jobless

2:22pm Thursday 23rd October 2008 in Search Module

ONE of the North West’s biggest employment support services hosted a Government visit when Culture Minister Andy Burnham called at its newest centre this week.

Local MP Mr Burnham was special guest at the official launch of the not-for-profit organisation Work Solutions’ new employment and training centre in Bradshawgate, Leigh.

He met local residents who have recently been helped off benefits and into employment by Work Solutions through the Government’s Pathways to Work programme.

The event took place as the centre celebrated the milestone of helping 100 residents into employment since it opened earlier this year.

Mr Burnham said: “It’s a pleasure to visit a service that I know has already made a fantastic impact on the lives of many local people here.

“Visiting centres like those run by Work Solutions proves beyond doubt the positive impact that employment can have on people’s lives, not just financially, but in terms of experience, confidence and wellbeing too.

“I am sure this centre will play a valuable role in the local area.”

Pathways to Work, delivered by Work Solutions and Shaw Trust in Wigan and Leigh, aims to help 10,000 local residents off Incapacity Benefit and into employment over a three year period.

The Leigh centre’s team of six advisors has supported more than 1,000 local residents with advice about training, employment and work experience opportunities.

In nearby Higher Folds, Work Solutions helped more than 250 local residents into employment and hundreds more into training over a two year period.

One such resident is former painter and decorator Jimmy Hampson, who was supported with guidance towards a new career after more than 40 years in the trade.

After undergoing surgery on his leg last year, Jimmy found that he could no longer work as a painter, but still badly wanted employment.

Now, he has completed a teaching qualification and is training the next generation of painters and decorators at Wigan and Leigh College.

Jimmy said: “After working for 41 years, it was a big shock to stop. But, with the support from Work Solutions I have been able to put my skills to good use in a new role.

“The support has made all the difference – and it’s good to get the opportunity to tell a Government minister that services like this are making a difference to people’s lives.”

Mr Burnham was joined at the launch by the Mayor of Wigan Rona Winkworth, staff, partners and clients who use the centre.