Restart Programme cash fillip set to help boost job opportunities in Oldham

For more information about the Get Oldham Working team, visit: www.oldham.gov.uk/getoldhamworking

Oldham Council's Get Oldham Working service, which helps residents into employment, is set to receive a share of £2.9 billion from the government.

At the Spending Review on Wednesday, November 25 last year, HM Treasury confirmed a new three-year long £2.9 billion Restart Programme to provide intensive and tailored support to over one million long-term unemployed people across the UK.

The Restart programme is part of the government’s Plan for Jobs and will provide Universal Credit claimants who have been out of work for at least 12 months support to find employment.

Restart aims to support 86,200 individuals in Greater Manchester and more than 11,000 residents here in Oldham.

Get Oldham Working will be delivering 3% of the GM contract, supporting 2,586 Oldham residents over the three years, equating to £3.8m. 

The programme aims to break down barriers that may hold people back from finding employment and will provide intensive support in addition to what is already available.

Councillor Shoab Akhtar, Cabinet Member for Employment and Enterprise, said: “Residents in Oldham have had such a tough time since the start of the pandemic, with many losing their jobs.

“This adds unwanted stress and financial pressures which can severely affect mental health – and we know for many families big challenges still remain.

“It’s brilliant news that this extra support from the government is coming to Oldham and thousands of people will now get the extra help they need into employment.

“I encourage anyone who is struggling with employment to get in touch with our Get Oldham Working team and see how they can help you.”

Ingeus and the Get Oldham Working service will be delivering the programme over the next three years in Oldham.

For more information about the Get Oldham Working team, visit: www.oldham.gov.uk/getoldhamworking

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