07/02/2014 - Permalink

Event offers support to council staff who have taken voluntary redundancy

Related topics: Democracy

More than 30 organisations set up stands and led workshops at an event organised by Shropshire Council to support staff who have taken voluntary redundancy.

The Opportunities Fair, on Thursday 6 February 2014, gave staff who have left the council in recent months, or are due to leave later this year, the chance to get advice on options such as retraining, taking a different career path, setting up their own business, looking at what leisure and volunteering opportunities are available, and enjoying their retirement.

Around 100 people attended the event at Shirehall in Shrewsbury.  The organisations which took part included:

  • JobCentre Plus – providing advice on searching for work and benefits
  • Affinity Connect – offering financial awareness and pre-retirement advice
  • Employment agencies – covering a range of occupational fields
  • Local colleges
  • just Credit Union
  • Shropshire County Pension Fund
  • Trade unions
  • Shropshire Council’s human resources, business enterprise, housing options, benefits and public health teams
  • Shropshire Council’s County Training service – the largest training provider in Shropshire
  • Voluntary organisations.

The workshop topics ranged from CV clinics and interview preparation skills to pensions and personal development. 

Mike Owen, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for resurces, finance and support, said:

“This event brought together representatives from the council and other organisations who are at hand to support those who have decided to leave through our voluntary redundancy programme.

“We understand that this is not an easy time, and hope that those who came along found the event helpful in ensuring they have the information and advice they need to consider and move forward with their next steps.”  

Phyl Edmonds was among those offering advice at the fair.  Following voluntary redundancy, Phyl established Severn Workforce Development Ltd, specialising in leadership and management, and business improvement processes. 

Phyl said:

“I have a number of private sector clients benefiting from the knowledge and qualifications I gained whilst working in the public sector. 

“Whilst it is scary setting up on your own, it is also exciting.  Business is going from strength to strength and I hope to employ people in the future.” 

Feedback from people who attended the fair included: “The event was really, really good. It’s given me plenty of ideas, which I will be taking forward.  There were a good mix of organisations and a good vibe.” 

Another person who visited said: “The event has widened my horizons about the opportunities available.”