Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, whether his Department is providing support to former employees of City Link to find new employment.

Job Centre Plus’ Rapid Response Service is available to any paid employee, at the discretion of the Jobcentre District, who has lost their job or had their contract terminated as a result of workforce management measures.

This means that employees employed directly by City Link and those sub-contracted to them will be considered for Rapid Response Service support to help them move into new jobs. The service is delivered locally with partners and is tailored to the individual’s needs. It can include some or all of the following elements:

o Information advice and guidance

o Help with job searches including CV writing, interview skills, where to find jobs and how to apply for them

o Help to identify transferable skills and skills gaps (linked to the local labour market)

o Training to update skills, learn new ones and gain industry recognised certification that will improve employability

o Help to overcome barriers to attending training or securing a job or self-employment such as child care costs, necessary tools, work clothes, travel costs etc.