Getting Greenwich and Woolwich working

After three damaging years of flat lining, the economy is finally growing and new jobs are being created. I hope that will continue to be the case. Yet the recovery is far from secure. It’s going to take considerable effort to deal successfully with the legacy of the global financial crisis and three years of negligible growth.

Recent falls in unemployment are extremely welcome and London’s labour market is stronger than that in many other parts of the country but locally too many people – especially young people – are still struggling to find work. Long-term unemployment has rocketed since 2010 and at 3.6 per cent youth unemployment locally is still higher than the London average. The cost to the economy, in lost productivity and higher social security costs, is profound. But the human cost is just as severe.

In the current climate taking practical steps to tackle unemployment is more important than ever. That’s why I’m determined to do all that I can in the eight months before the general election to support local residents in finding work and getting the support they need.

To help them do so I’ve organised a local Jobs Fair for the Greenwich and Woolwich constituency in partnership with Greenwich Community College and the Woolwich Jobcentre Plus.

The event will take place in Woolwich on Wednesday 1 October between 1pm and 6pm at Greenwich Community College’s Plumstead Centre on the Plumstead Road.

Over 30 major employers have already agreed to take part, from national companies such as Crossrail Ltd to local success stories such as Meantime Brewery. Each will be on hand throughout the day to meet local residents looking for work, advertise vacancies and discuss potential opportunities. We will also be running workshops throughout the day, for example on how to complete application forms, write CV’s and prepare for interviews.

If you live in the area and are looking for careers advice or a job then please make a note of the date and come along. Everyone is welcome.