Combatting the effects of public sector job losses at Northallerton Prison (HMP Northallerton) and the Rural Payments Agency RPA), the Northallerton Taskforce has come together to implement a structured recovery scheme capable of delivering real support to those affected by the cuts.
The multi-partnered scheme intends to implement pro-active action now, so that in 2014-15 the town will not suffer as the result of the loss of nearly 600 jobs.
In order to do this, the partnership will be making a targeted incision across three distinct areas: Ensuring that those facing job losses have the skills, preparation and mentality required not only to move into employment but also to be able to attract employers to the area; Supporting those with entrepreneurial ambitions in order to allow them to set up their own businesses; and connecting employers looking to take on staff to new, potential employees.
The first event in this programme will take place at a JobCentre+ jobs fair on October 17 at the town hall in Northallerton. The event, the first in the taskforce’s plan for delivering tangible improvements in the area, will feature a mix of employers and skills support agencies. The outcome of this event will be used to shape and develop the future of the scheme so that it is able to fit the needs of those at risk within the Northallerton job market. A second event is planned for October 24.
David Kerfoot, Chair of the Taskforce said:
It is vital that we act now to support those at risk. RPA and the prison have provided Northallerton with an exceptionally skilled and motivated workforce that any employer would be proud to take on.
Dave Munton, Deputy Governor of HMP Northallerton said:
There aren’t many things that I can promise in this line of work, but I promise that if my staff want to attend one of these events, they will be able to. It’s crucial that we do everything we can to support them.
The taskforce hopes that this proactive and iterative approach to supporting victims of public sector job, will make them successful in supporting and developing the area and ensuring that these losses can be combatted.
The scheme is delivered in partnership between the York, North Yorkshire and East Riding Enterprise Partnership, HMP Northallerton, the Rural Payments Agency, JobCentre+, Hambleton District Council, The Citizens’ Advice Bureau, North Yorkshire County Council, the Skills Funding Agency, Northallerton District Voluntary Service Association, Hambleton Borough Council, Enterprise North Yorkshire, and NYCC Adult Learning & Skills.
Photograph: David Kerfoot (Left) and Dave Munton (right) prepare to tackle the job losses facing Northallerton
Further Information
The Northallerton Taskforce was set up following the closure of Northallerton prison (HMP Northallerton) and the Rural Payments Agency (RMP). The taskforce’s proposed focus is to “investigate the immediate impacts of public sector job losses on current staff and businesses in the town, and plan for how these might be ameliorated”.
The chair of the taskforce is David Kerfoot who also acts as the Deputy Chair of the York, North Yorkshire and East Riding Local Enterprise Partnership, and Chairman of The Kerfoot Group.
