MP officially opens new service that equips jobseekers for success

The Salvation Army in Oldham officially opened a new Employment Plus Local to help unemployed people who are looking for work or training ensure they are work ready.

Debbie Abrahams, MP for Oldham East and Saddleworth, has today (Friday 12 October) officially opened the new Salvation Army service to help people who are unemployed find work.

The Employment Plus scheme based at Oldham Roundthorn Salvation Army on Roundthorn Road, offers job seekers volunteering opportunities, access to job searches, personalised support and e-learning opportunities. Members of the community can drop in to receive help and advice in searching for and applying for work.

Employment Plus Local initiatives focus on empowering people to move into employment through holistic and individually tailored advice and support. The Salvation Army supports individuals at every step of their journey, delivering support that works. 

The Salvation Army corps officer (church minister) in charge, Lieutenant Jonathan Pitts, said: “The Salvation Army has been committed since its earliest days to ensuring people have basic standards of living – food, shelter and a way of supporting themselves. Employment Plus is one way we empower people to be able to achieve these basics for themselves.”

During her visit Debbie Abrahams MP met with volunteers and jobseekers as they worked together to pursue employment goals.

She said: “Today’s visit has allowed me to see demonstrated the many innovative ways The Salvation Army is engaging with its culturally diverse community to successfully move people into good employment. The ethos of ‘work for all’ is evident, as is the team’s commitment to making a difference in their community by empowering those who are a part of it. The Salvation Army does not offer a short-term solution, but instead equips people with the tools for sustainable success in the future.”

Lieutenant Sarah Pitts, joint leader for the church, said: “It is more important than ever that the Government prioritises the specialist support needed to help people who need it most, particularly with the impact of the rollout of Universal Credit putting additional strain on family incomes. We want to help everyone who wants to work, to succeed. Through this scheme we are offering another way for those out of work to come along and get as much help as they can, to find work again, and boost their career opportunities and self-esteem. 

“The Salvation Army’s Employment Plus service offers a caring and helpful environment. We are professional, dedicated in our methods, and committed to helping people find work. By offering one-to-one support to jobseekers, as well as further tools and advice they need to support themselves, we can help people succeed and progress in the labour market.”

Oldham Salvation Army’s involvement in the Employment Plus scheme follows a national roll out of the service provided at other Salvation Army churches and works in partnership with agencies including Job Centre Plus and The Department for Work and Pensions.

Click here for more information on Employment Plus