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September
2020.
Greater access to digital support


25/09/20
Face-to-face job clubs and access to public computers in community hubs across the city are being re-introduced to support people into work.

 

As the impact of the pandemic on the jobs market continues to be felt, the Council is adapting services to meet demand and ensure people can get the help they need with employment matters and benefit claims.

 

The Council's Into Work Service moved some of its support sessions online during the lockdown period to continue assisting residents looking for help. Now face-to-face job clubs are being phased back in from this week in hubs across the city, starting with Central Library Hub, Grangetown Hub, St Mellons Hub and Ely & Caerau Hub. Support will then expand to all hubs over the next few weeks on a timetabled basis.

 

Cabinet Member for Finance, Performance and Modernisation, Cllr Chris Weaver said: "Into Work Cardiff has supported people throughout the pandemic with virtual sessions and appointments in hubs when it hasn't been possible to help over the phone or on a digital platform.

 

"In order to meet the demand that is now becoming evident, face-to-face job clubs will take place at hubs in the city, on an appointment-only basis.

 

"The pandemic has affected residents across the city in different ways but we know for many, it will have meantfurlough,jobloss and a great deal of uncertainty about the future. Into Work Cardiff can support people faced with a change of direction in their careers, by supporting them into jobs in different sectors, helping them into training or adult learning, help with CVs and job searching and even giving advice to those keen to start their own business."

 

The number of Universal Credit claimants in Cardiff has more than doubled since the start of this year to 16,180 in July, meaning more residents will need help to look for work and to maintain their claim.

 

The lack of access to digital devices has been a barrier to a significant number of people requiring support in the city and so from Monday, September 28, residents will be able to book an appointment to use the public access PCs in community hubs across the city.

 

Health and safety measures have been put in place to allow the re-introduction of PC use, and thorough cleaning will take place following each use.

 

Cllr Weaver added: "More and more services are only available online these days but not everyone has access to a device and many people lack basic digital skills so it is vital that the public can access help and the technology they need during this continuing challenging time."

 

Customers who would like to attend a Job Club from Monday September 21 should call 029 2087 1071 to book an appointment at a hub. Appointments to use PCs from Monday September 28 can be booked on the same number.

 

Customers visiting hubs across the city for pre-booked appointments will need to wear a face-mask inside the building, unlessthere is a reason not to.

 

From Monday this week, Whitchurch Library re-opened as Whitchurch Hub, following refurbishment.  As with other hubs in the city, Whitchurch will operate on an appointment-only basis providingclick and collect library services, & PC access from September 28.