Hampshire County Council unveils plans to boost employment in wake of pandemic

It is to help those who have lost their jobs due to coronavirus get back into work.

Published 15th Sep 2020

Hampshire County Council is putting in place a raft of support to help residents get into work if they have become unemployed or had difficulty finding work after leaving education or training, due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Measures include setting spending £1.3m pounds on training such as improving people's digital skills as well as setting up Employability Hubs which will specialise in training and support for young people with special educational needs and/or disablilities.

More apprenticeships will also be available and more guidance given to those nearing school or college leaving age.

Councillor Roz Chadd, the County Council's Executive Member for Education and Skills, said:

"In the coming months, the Employment and Skills strategy and plan, developed by our Skills & Participation Service, will put in place a range of measures to boost employment and apprenticeships in Hampshire. Targeting those who have been most affected by the impact of COVID-19, it will help to get the county's economy back on its feet by building on, and complementing, national initiatives to promote employment and reduce the number of people who are out of work, such as the national 'Kickstart' scheme."

Councillor Rob Humby, Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Economy, Transport and Environment, said the goal is to "minimise the negative impact of COVID-19 on our local economy, increase economic prosperity and continue to develop a skilled workforce for Hampshire to 2030 and beyond.”