Supporting the unemployed

Here at CBPartners we have just finished supporting our mentors through a programme aimed at empowering the long term unemployed. It is something we are passionate about but as the figures show it is an increasing problem particularly amongst the young.

So what are the consequences for the country of having so many people unemployed? Firstly the amount of people able to buy products and contribute to taxes decreases whilst the people claiming benefits and in need of support increases. It also has an effect on the public sector which is already under pressure but needs to support those unemployed in a variety of ways including increased issues around mental and physical health.

To many economists and business people rising unemployment is a sign of failure and a waste of resources leading to a loss of potential output. In terms of growth in both manufacturing and productivity rising unemployment has a negative effect in both the short and long term. Redundancies waste resources which have been invested in training workers and the longer people remain unemployed the less attractive they become to potential employers. Skills are damaged by long term un employment too and when employers wish to hire skilled workers this can have an effect on the pool of talent available.

Rising unemployment is also linked to social deprivation which leads to further inequalities of wealth and income and more often than not higher crime rates.

On a more personal level people who are unemployed can suffer from loss of confidence, well being and self belief. After some time they can also become de motivated and depressed. The personal consequences of unemployment are a major social and political problem for the UK in a recession particularly when as now there are many young people unemployed.

So what can be done?

Support for the unemployed is available in the form of Apprenticeships and in Blackburn we are supported by excellent schemes run by Blackburn college where links between employers and the college support people wanting to gain experience and skills. At our employers forum days (supported by the college) the college has a regular slot where employers are told about schemes such as the knowledge transfer partnerships and apprenticeships. The next forum is on the 24th January and you can find more information on our linedkin page.

We also run support for people wanting to set up a new business with our drop in days where people can turn up without an appointment to spend time with a mentor going through any issues which they want to discuss and getting advice on how to set up their own business.

There are a number of schemes for the unemployed although as in other areas funding has been dwindling but there are some schemes still running which include coaching and programmes intended to give people sills at interview. The Directgov website also has information and support on applying for jobs, writing a CV and career planning.

One of the best ways to improve someone's chances at getting a job is to volunteer and there are plenty of opportunities to volunteer and learn new skills or improve the number of references on your CV if you are unemployed. The great thing about volunteering is that it prevents someone feeling unwanted or that they are not capable and most organisations provide great support and structure for volunteers.