A new service is helping those made jobless as a result of the Coronavirus outbreak in the Humber get back into employment – while supporting key regional employers with gaps in their staffing due to the pandemic, such as those in the care sector.

Humber Jobs Fuse, a joint service created by the Humber LEP, The Education Development Trust (a prime contractor for the National Careers Service in Yorkshire and the Humber), the Department for Work and Pensions, the four Humber Local Authorities and Skills Support for the Workforce, will help match opportunities as new and replacement needs arise as result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

It will connect employers who have urgent vacancies with individuals across Humber who are available to start work – while also listening to employers who have to make redundancies to see if there are opportunities for their staff arising in the region.

Humber Jobs Fuse will also support those who have lost their jobs or whose job has been affected during the crisis through its dedicated telephone enquiry service – which offers free, impartial and professional advice to job seekers – including practical aspects such as CV writing and access to training.

Stephen Savage, Chair of the Humber LEP’s Employment and Skills Board, said:

“The Humber Jobs Fuse will provide a vital service for those affected by employment issues due to the coronavirus pandemic. The Humber LEP has been pleased to step in to develop this new service together with our partners, which gives further support in addition to the Government’s employment support package.

“National Careers Service Provider, Education Development Trust will provide a valuable service which will match redundancy situations to redeployment opportunities where possible, while providing additional support through employment services where further employability or skills help is required.”

Leanne Misaljevich, Area Manager for Education Development Trust, Prime contractor for the National Careers Service in Yorkshire and the Humber said: “We face hugely uncertain economic times and in response to this we are delighted to be coming together with DWP and the Humber LEP to form the Humber Jobs Fuse.

“The National Careers Service is uniquely positioned to be able to provide free and impartial careers and employment advice and guidance to residents and employers across the Humber area, all delivered by our team of professional careers advisers.”

Jo Corney, Service Leader, Department for Work and Pensions added: “We are very pleased to see how Humber Partners have worked together to support the work of our Jobcentre Plus colleagues who are incredibly busy, but working hard to ensure that everyone gets the support they need at this challenging time.”

Please visit https://fuse.humberlep.org/ for more information. Individuals can seek support by calling the Freephone number 0800 100 900, while employers can get in touch on the Freephone number 0808 1963596 or email the dedicated inbox JobsFuse@educationdevelopmenttrust.com