Guy Opperman MP, Minister for Employment, visited Job Centre Plus (JCP) staff at Watford following an invitation from Dean Russell MP to see how the staff are helping customers into the workforce.
The top four sectors currently recruiting in Watford are care, construction, hospitality, and retail. The JCP maintains key relationships with business such as
Skanska, Warner Bros, Top Golf and the Atria Shopping centre.
The employment rate in Watford stands at 79.4%, slightly above the regional average. The unemployment rate, according to ONS figures is 3.3%, below the national average of 3.7%.
The Watford JCP offers training and employment events all year-round and offer tailored support to specific groups including refugee customers, those with health conditions, 50+ customers and the self-employed.
JCP staff have secured some great results for their 50+ customers, helping them increase their hours, build confidence, or change role entirely.
Following the visit the Minister for Employment said that “It was a really informative visit, and I was particularly interested to hear about the innovative work that is taking place to support those that are self-employed, or are considering taking that route.”
Speaking after the visit Dean Russell said that “Thanks to JCP staff, great progress has been made on filling vacancies in Watford’s job market. I was particularly pleased to hear about their work with customers aged 50+ as people in that bracket still have so much to offer and a plethora of experience behind them.
As I mentioned in the House of Commons, the team here at the JCP do a fantastic job. Their work isn’t a one size fits all approach, the work coaches make sure to tailor their efforts to the individual customer.”
