Allerdale is part of the rural pilot programme which is exploring how services can best be delivered to families over a wider geographic area than that covered by other Sure Start Programmes. Employment and Training The Employment Service offers a full range of services to unemployed people in Silloth through its Jobcentres in Maryport and Carlisle. In addition, a vacancy display has been set up at Silloth's community centre, offering a freephone link to Maryport Jobcentre. This will be replaced next year by a vacancy kiosk with computer links to Jobcentre vacancies. Workington and Carlisle each have Jobclub and Jobplan workshops which advise clients and offer support in finding employment.
Intakes are on a weekly basis and travel expenses are refunded.
Maryport Jobcentre currently undertakes twice weekly sessions at Johnson Controls to take claims for benefit and offer employment advice to staff being made redundant. The redundancy has been declared large scale and early access to ES programmes is open for redundant workers. Ongoing meetings between Employment Services, Cumbria county council and Enterprise Cumbria Ltd. have now defined the plan to submit an application to the Rapid Response Fund to assist workers with additional support for re-training. The local Jobcentre works closely with the local parish council and periodically holds advisory sessions for clients at the community hall. This is an operational matter for London Underground and I understand that they are seeking to establish whether any significant damage has occurred, before determining appropriate action.