Lambeth Council has launched a new job-training service to get people into work after the rise in redundancies in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.  

More than 20 per cent of Lambeth employees are currently furloughed, with their futures unclear once Government support reduces or is withdrawn. 

The Response to Redundancy (R2R) programme, provided by the council’s adult learning service, comes after Lambeth received a £240,000 grant from the Mayor of London’s skills for Londoners Covid-19 response fund. 

The programme aims to help Lambeth residents and workers who have recently lost their jobs get new training in a range of areas, such as Maths, computers, language skills, childcare, health, social care and teaching support. 

There is also a three-week training course with seven weeks follow up support to help those made redundant find jobs in growth areas, develop their digital skills, and brush up on their interview techniques.  

This includes “mentoring, support in overcoming any barriers to employment and inspirational employer-led talks”. 

Councillor Jacqui Dyer, cabinet member for jobs, skills and community safety, said: “The economic impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic are deep and severe, with huge impacts on many people’s job security, business opportunities and future careers. 

“Lambeth is determined to target training and development so residents who experience disadvantages and face redundancy can get the opportunities they need to upskill, retrain and access work in fields where there are more jobs. 

“I urge our residents to spread word of these support schemes in our communities to help those that really need our support at this incredibly difficult time.”