Working with Sandwell businesses adversely affected by the recession
Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council's benefit service has joined forces with Job Link, part of the Council Regeneration Division, to offer advice and support at redundancy workshops.
Affected businesses are identified in a number of ways. These include:
- Jobcentre Plus reports.
- Customer contact staff pass on information from customers about likely redundancies or businesses introducing compulsory short-time working.
- Informal information from friends and neighbours.
The Revenues and Benefits Stakeholder Relations Officer contacts the HR manager of any identified business and offers to visit, to discuss how the Council can help.
Between February and June 2009, the Council made 16 visits to 10 different employer sites. Work included presentations and one-to-one support for individual members of staff. Audiences varied from approximately 10 to 60. On some sites the Council gave several presentations to reach large numbers of workers. Further visits are expected, depending on emerging need.
This service provides a ‘face’ for potential customers who have never previously claimed benefits and offers people reassurance and guidance about the benefits system.
Providing people with the right advice helps to maximise income and prevents unnecessary claims for benefit.
Feedback from businesses and employees shows that they value:
- discretion - businesses do not want creditors or suppliers to know that they may be experiencing financial hardship;
- informal presentations - employees tend not to want to sit through Power Point presentations or formal lectures;
- a broad knowledge of council services - when visiting businesses, council officers will be asked questions about wider council services.
Even if the practical help from the council is limited, people appreciate its assistance and support.