Council offers support to retail workers
Telford & Wrekin Council is prepared to offer business support to workers at House of Fraser and Fruit Of The Loom who face potentially losing their jobs.
Up to 70 jobs could be lost when Fruit of the Loom closes its Telford-based head office and distribution centre, relocating to Europe and North Africa.
And today House of Fraser announced plans to close 31 of its stores as part of a rescue package for the business, including stores in Telford Shopping Centre, Shrewsbury, Wolverhampton and Birmingham.
Telford & Wrekin Council is committed to being a business supporting and business winning council and offers support to companies both before and when they face difficulties.
The council has offered to facilitate support which includes fully funded training, business start up workshops, National Careers Service advice and guidance and links with local businesses who are expanding. .
Councillor Shirley Reynolds, Telford & Wrekin Council’s cabinet member for Employment, said: “Obviously we were saddened and concerned to hear that Fruit of the Loom plans to relocate but we want to reassure the company and its employees that there is plenty of local support offered by the council and its partners.
“While the future of the Telford House of Fraser store is still uncertain, I am very saddened to hear the news that the company has announced it plans to close its store in Telford Shopping Centre, although this is symptomatic of the trading situation facing the retail sector and does not come entirely as a surprise.
“It is obviously a terrible blow for the people that work at both places and their families but we can provide them with support to find employment elsewhere. This includes training, business start-up workshops, National Careers Service advice and guidance and links with local businesses.
“We also have first-hand knowledge of the local jobs market and freely advertise vacancies via Job Box, partner organisations and social media channels.
“Staff affected can make an appointment with a careers advisor by calling 01952 381061 or by emailing nationalcareers@telford.gov.uk”
Other benefits the council offers is first-hand knowledge of the local labour market, free advertising of vacancies via Job Box, partner organisations and social media channels and advice on recruitment methods and job adverts.
The council also holds regular Job Fairs and Recruitment Days and links with schools and colleges for recruitment.
