Academy's team ready with support as jobless crisis deepens in Sheffield

The Source Skills Academy at Meadowhall is already working with people made redundant in the first few weeks of lockdown and expects many more as companies let furloughed staff go.

According to figures released by the Office for National Statistics, Barnsley and Doncaster have already seen the UK’s highest increases in unemployment benefits claims between March and April.

In a table of the UK’s 63 largest cities and towns, Doncaster is sixth, with a 2.6 per cent increase, and Barnsley is seventh with 2.5 per cent.

Sheffield was placed 33rd.

Tricia Smith, The Source chief executive officer, said: “We anticipate a huge surge in unemployment as our region’s businesses and manufacturers go back to work and have to confront the reality of the economic damage they have suffered.

“Workers losing jobs will be shocked, worried about money and afraid they are never going to be employed agai n, bu t our specialist teams, who have got hundreds of unemployed people back into work in recent ye ars, are ready to help.”

Helen Lee, who runs the academy’s Steps To Work programme, said : “Losing your livelihood has huge emotional consequences. Part of your identity has gone, along with your daily routine and your confidence.

“Getting these back is not easy, particularly if you have worked long-term in one role and fear there is no other job you can do.”

Helen and her community and employability t eam help a range of unemployed into work - from school-leavers to long-term jobless - by up-skilling, rebuilding confidence and keeping spirits positive.

The Source’s Steps To Work programme exists for jobless people who are not in education or training.

Help starts with one-to-one support and confidence-building, now done by phone and online due to Covid-19 guidelines.

Skills in areas such as English, maths and ICT are boosted.

Clients can also study for work-based qualifications online with supportive tutors in 26 subjects.

Email community@thesourceacademy.co.uk

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