A brand new service has been launched to tackle labour market challenges in Greater Manchester as a result of Covid-19. The new initiative to help businesses respond to the unprecedented shift in the jobs market as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic has been launched by the Growth Company in partnership with the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and delivery Partners.
Employ GM is a free service, across the city-region, for all businesses*, the self-employed and individuals to help match job opportunities, especially temporary, as new and replacement needs arise as result of Covid-19 impacts on business activity. It will connect employers who have urgent temporary (and permanent) vacancies with individuals across Greater Manchester who are available to start work straight away. It will also provide practical support with the recruitment process including promotion of jobs to a large network of available candidates, quick and efficient recruitment, and running a weekly payroll for businesses not used to utilising a temporary workforce.
Employ GM will also support individuals who have been made redundant due to Covid-19, as well as self-employed people who have seen a significant drop in work, by helping them look for new job opportunities as well as providing them with careers advice and training. The initiative will also support furloughed employees and those unsure about their next steps with careers information and advice to help them make decisions on work, learning, and training. Finally, further support for businesses seeking to deal with today’s extraordinary challenges is available through GC Business Growth Hub.
Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said: “We’re in no doubt about the challenges that many businesses throughout our city-region are facing, which is why we’ve been working hard from the outset with The Growth Company and other partners to put in place all the support we can. All of the actions that we take now are going to determine how we move forward after this, which is why we’re helping businesses, sole traders and self-employed business owners to plan ahead and even send workers to where they’re needed most. Greater Manchester always comes together in challenging times, and this has been no exception.”
Mark Hughes, Chief Executive of The Growth Company said: “Along with our Partners, the Growth Company is here for business and individuals who need support during these uncertain times. I am confident that the launch of Employ GM will help us to quickly bridge skills gaps across the city-region, as well as take some of the pressure off organisations by helping them to adapt and be resilient to change.”
For more information and to get help from Employ GM visit www.employgm.org
Businesses looking for support can also visit the Coronavirus microsite at www.businessgrowthhub.com/Coronavirus or get in touch for more advice and support by emailing BGH@growthco.uk or call us on 0161 359 3050. Opening hours have been extended to Monday to Friday 8am-8pm and Saturday and Sunday 9am-1pm to support businesses.
* Employers will need to commit that they are complying with PHE guidelines in particular social distancing, and making appropriate personal hygiene facilities available to employees.
