Get real help now
The government is offering a range of practical services to help businesses and people around the UK make it through the downturn. Take a closer look at what’s available
Date:
07 May 2009
Source:
Guide to Surviving the Downturn
Page:
18
The government’s Real Help Now campaign was launched in October 2008. Its aim is to help business and individuals cope in the global recession.
The campaign acts as an umbrella for all government policies announced since the end of last year, many of which provide HR professionals with assistance for their business and employees.
Real Help Now includes the following:
Business Link
Business Link offers free advice and support. This one-stop-shop can help organisations with all forms of government support.
Business Healthcheck
A professional adviser will give a free review of your business, as well as access to government help. Businesses can also use an online interactive tool to identify areas of the business that need improvement.
Business Link, Healthcheck
0845 600 9006
Recruitment
Jobcentre Plus is giving employers £1,000 whenever they recruit someone who has been claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance for six months or more. These new recruits may also be eligible for up to £1,500 of free in-work training through the Jobcentre Plus network of partners, such as Train to Gain in England.
Redundancy
An interactive guide to help businesses find alternatives to making redundancies, and guidance on restructuring.
Business Link
If businesses do make redundancies, Jobcentre Plus aims to help people at risk of losing their jobs find another one, sometimes even before they are
made redundant.
Training
Train to Gain provides government funding and skills advice to businesses. Organisations with up to 250 employees are entitled to additional and more flexible training provision, such as access to short courses in business-critical areas, and leadership and management. Eligibility is ascertained by a skills broker, college or training provider.
Newly redundant individuals or those under notice of redundancy can now access government-funded training support for two to eight weeks to improve their skills and work experience.
0800 015 5545
Businesses employing apprentices can receive 100 per cent of each apprentice’s training costs up to the age of 18, and up to 60 per cent for apprentices over 18.
Apprenticeships - information for employers
0800 015 0600
The Skills Pledge is a public demonstration of the importance companies place on investing in their employees’ skills.
The Alliance of Sector Skills Councils can give specialist advice and access to extra and more flexible funding to meet the needs of specific sectors.
Reducing waste and saving energy
A tool to help businesses assess areas where they can cut energy costs.
Business Link
Real Help Now
Business and employees can find out more about all the government policies to help them survive the downturn on the Real Help Now website.