Steel workers among job seekers getting help at Hartlepool event

Former workers from SSI in Redcar, and Hartlepool’s Caparo Forge and Tata steel which have seen over 1,000 job losses combined, went along to Hartlepool College of Further Education yesterday.

The college hosted the event organised by Hartlepool Borough Council’s economic regeneration team in association with JobCentre Plus.

It was one of five held across the Tees Valley, following the success of a dedicated hub which ran in 2015 to offer one to one support for those affected by the closure of the SSI plant.

Israr Hussain, of the Hartlepool economic regeneration team, said: “It was a positive event.

“There were quite a lot of agencies there to offer support and with information about training opportunities and how to improve their job prospects.

“There were some ex Caparo and Tata steel workers. The majority were people trying to get back into work. There was a steady flow of people throughout the morning.”

The drop-in event featured a number of exhibition stands manned by various organisations who could offer support, advice and training.

Others focussed on advice for starting a business, money management, pensions, welfare and benefits.

Organisations present included Hartlepool Training and Employment Services, Hartlepool Working Solutions, The Army, West View Advice and Resource Centre and Thirteen housing group.