Skills and employment

We provide responsive and sensitive support at point of need to businesses facing issues related to redundancy or downsizing.

Our Redundancy Action Support Team (RAST) offers redundancy advice and guidance services to employers addressing redundancy issues in Cheshire West. The wider team comprises professional, private and public sector organisations, whose aim is to increase awareness of the advice available and broker the right support for your business. As part of our offer, we can provide personal support to your employees as required.

Business support available

If employees are thinking about starting their own business or going self-employed, we have a guide that summaries the available support, which can be found on the Let's Talk Business website. You will also be able to find information about other business support available, including access to finance, commercial sites and premises and grant funding available in response to COVID-19.

The Redundancy Support Service for Apprentices (RSSA)

The RSSA provides clear, accessible advice and guidance to individuals on the impact of redundancy, their options and next steps. An explanation to employers and apprentices about what the service is, the benefits and how to access it can be found on the ESFA Gov.UK YouTube channel.

If you are an employer who would like to recruit a redundant apprentice or offer new apprenticeship opportunities, more information about hiring an apprentice who has been made redundant can be found on the Engage Apprenticeship website. Alternatively, you can call 0800 015 0600.

If you are an apprentice who has been made redundant, more information about facing redundancy during your apprenticeship can be found on the Engage Apprenticeship website. Alternatively, you can call 0800 015 0400 to speak to an adviser.

Employment support available

We offer the following support services to individuals at risk of redundancy or who have been made redundant/unemployed and are looking for a new job:

For people facing redundancy or have been made redundant, they can find our full employment support offer through our Emergency Response Portal. If you are looking to work and want some help, you can submit your CV through our portal so that you can access employment support via a Work Zone mentor. Our mentors can support with:

• 1:1 employment mentoring to help you shape your CV, job search and prepare for interviews
• access to tools which will allow individuals to assess their skills and identify any gaps
• links to local recruiting employers and brokerage of work trials
• links to specialist careers guidance
• information on benefits advice and access to support
• signposting to health support
• advice on starting up a business/going self-employed

Employees can also access our Redundancy Toolkit. This is a free online learning programme which has six modules and gives all the information needed to prepare and search for your next job. These modules can be accessed at any time, can be followed in any order and will help you prepare the best job application.

You can also gain access to our online Job Club where you will be guided by an Employment Mentor through the process of preparing and searching for work. To enrol on our Job Club email: skillsandemployment@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk. More information about local jobs and learning opportunities, including apprenticeships can be found on the Cheshire and Warrington Opportunities Portal.

If you are considering retraining in English, maths and ICT in readiness for your new role, we have a full adult education curriculum on offer through our Work Zones based in Chester, Ellesmere Port, Northwich and Winsford. We can also provide signposting to wider retraining opportunities through other local training providers.

Our services are free and can be tailored to suit your needs. If you would like to discuss your requirements in confidence, please contact Redundancy Support for Businesses by emailing; skillsandemployment@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk. Alternatively, you can find a useful summary of support for people facing redundancy on the Gov.UK website.