D2N2, the Local Enterprise Partnership for Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire is working with partners to create a triage service to help those made jobless as a result of the Coronavirus outbreak, back into employment.

Whilst the Government has created the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, designed to help businesses retain their staff during the current outbreak by paying 80% of an employee’s salary, there are redundancies currently being made by businesses across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.

This is occurring whilst simultaneously large gaps in the labour market are appearing in sectors vital to the ongoing fight against Coronavirus.

The Redeployment Triage Service, to be administered by Futures, who are the National Careers Service provider for the East Midlands, will match those recently made redundant with new work in sectors experiencing a surge in employment demand such as food retail, care, and distribution.

The service will also engage with employers needing to make redundancies to ensure a smooth transition for employees into new work.

The Triage is the result of contributions from multiple partners including the Department of Work & Pensions, Local Authorities, and other organisations.

D2N2 Head of People & Skills Rachel Quinn said: “Traditionally responses to redundancy situations have been coordinated by the Department for Work & Pensions. However, they are currently experiencing unprecedented volumes of new customer registrations and are diverting their staffing resources to claims processing and payments.

“In negotiation with our partners, we have identified capacity within the National Careers Service to provide a valuable rapid response triage service which will match redundancy situations to redeployment where possible and create additional support through employment services where further employability or skills help is required.”

Peter Brammall, chief executive of The Futures Group, said: “Futures has longstanding expertise in helping employers to manage their workforce requirements through our National Careers Service programmes, advising and guiding people through redeployment and into new jobs.

“We’re pleased to be part of a strong rapid response partnership with D2N2, DWP, and Local Authority colleagues which will pay dividends over the coming weeks in helping to maximise employment opportunities for our residents and employers.”

As part of its role the Redeployment Triage Service is also looking to make contact with any business currently in need of labour as a result of the Coronavirus outbreak.

To read more about the Triage Service or to inform the service about a recruiting need, go to the www.D2N2lep.org/TriageService