Shadow Minister visits Salvation Army Employment service

The Salvation Army in Sneinton welcomed Alex Norris, MP for Nottingham North and Shadow Minister for Levelling Up, last Friday 17 February to see the work the Christian church and charity is doing to support people who are desperate to work.

The Labour MP saw the work of The Salvation Army’s Employment service in action and learnt about the church-led initiative that provides practical skills and advice to jobseekers and access to IT equipment, training courses and individual support.  

Major Mark Rose, Divisional Commander for the East Midlands, said:

“We were delighted to welcome Alex to our site and to show him how we are supporting people into work, helping them to overcome barriers to employment and to gain confidence, a better quality of life and to recognise their value in today’s workplace. The Salvation Army believes that properly funded services that help disadvantaged people into work and out of poverty is not just morally right but also vital to boosting the economy, which would benefit everyone.

“The Salvation Army has a long history of helping people lift themselves out of poverty through accessing services like the very first labour exchange in 1890.”

Alex Norris was able to see how a new group of jobseekers were being inspired to move forward into employment, during a motivational part of an eight-week employment course. The Salvation Army are delivering employment services across Nottingham and Mansfield, with most referrals from Nottingham.

Alex Norris MP, Shadow Levelling Up Minister, said:

“The Salvation Army’s Employment Plus service is fantastic programme which helps people that are disadvantaged, but desperate to work, to not only find work, but to stick with it. This personalised service works with individuals who have been left behind and are not able to access statutory services.

“I believe that there’s a lot we can learn from support services like those run by The Salvation Army.”

Maria used The Salvation Army Employment service just recently and said:

“I was made redundant in November last year, I was helped by staff from The Salvation Army to tailor my CVs and covering letters for each job, they pointed me in the right direction. I was encouraged to apply for a job before Christmas and had an interview in the New Year, I’ve started on one day a week and I’m increasing my hours now.

“I’ve done training courses that have assisted me for my new job – such as health and safety, but also food hygiene that will help me in other areas of my life. I’ve also been able to access funding for protective clothing for work, this is a help to me at the moment.”

Employment Plus services is testament to The Salvation Army’s desire to give people in need time, support and compassion. The site also includes The William Booth Birthplace Museum, in recognition of the Christian church’s founder.