50 firms are helping the jobless in Market Drayton
Businesses are being asked to find work placements for people out of a job in Market Drayton – although the local council has not yet committed to the project.
Hilary Bennett, from the Department for Work and Pensions, said more than 50 businesses in the Market Drayton area have signed up for the work experience placement scheme.
The scheme sees unemployed people matched to placements which suit their interests. Job Centre managers say the scheme helps to build confidence and key skills. Ms Bennett asked Market Drayton Town Council whether it would consider taking on people on a placement as part of the scheme.
But at a council meeting the town council failed to commit to supporting the scheme.
Ms Bennett said: "Work placements help people with their self-esteem. They should be treated like an employee and the town council does not need to pay expenses. They will need time off for interviews and job centre appointments and the placements run for a minimum of two weeks and maximum of eight weeks. It is purely voluntary.
"We currently have about 50 employers in the area signed up for these places. These include placements at Boots as well as independent businesses."
"The placements have proved very good and there have been some success stories as well."
But councillors raised some concerns about the scheme – including worries about job seeker payments being stopped and time constraints for staff.
Councillor Roy Aldcroft said he was worried about the time commitment to take on voluntary staff.
He said: "I am concerned about the amount of time you would have to dedicate to monitor the work experience placement.
"Our admin staff are busy most of the time and I am not sure they would have time to spare to look after a work experience placement."
Ms Bennett said: "A lot of the people doing the placements are very capable – they just need guidance.
"As long as they are overseen and are given small tasks then that can move them on.
"They will still get their job seeker payment and also will be paid for travel expenses and any child care they may need. Since last April 230 people have taken part in the placements."
There are currently about 170 people claiming job seekers in Market Drayton – of those 10 per cent are young people.
People aged between 16 to 24 and are getting Jobseeker's Allowance can get a work experience opportunity through Jobcentre Plus.
They can last between two and eight weeks, and people are expected to work between 25 and 30 hours a week.
