26/04/04 - Carlisle Local Committee gives cash backing to employment alternatives scheme

Cumbria County Council’s Local Committee for Carlisle has given its backing to a project that supports people who are facing redundancy or struggling to find employment.

The Committee has agreed to give £2,000 to Employment Alternatives, a programme managed by Carlisle City Council. In addition, Members also decided to make a specific grant of £800 to support staff recently made redundant from two local employers – Stead McAlpin and Penguin Confectionery.

As well as providing support to people who are facing redundancy, Employment Alternatives helps those changing careers, those returning to the labour market, farming families considering diversification and people needing help with job search skills.

John Collier, Chair of Carlisle Local Committee, said:

“Last year the Employment Alternatives programme assisted a total of 320 people, 120 of whom were from the Carlisle area. The Committee, in making this grant, recognises that it is a very important scheme that provides support to people during a very stressful time.”

The money made available for staff from Penguin and Stead McAlpin will be used to help with CV writing, preparing job applications and with interview skills.