FORMER staff of the Pembrokeshire Wilko stores, who faced job losses following the retail giant’s administration, have been provided guidance on tapping into almost £7,000 of potential funding. Additionally, many have actively pursued new job opportunities.

Pembrokeshire’s Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) informed that Wilko employees received guidance on ReAct funding. This came about when the Pembrokeshire Employer and Partnership Team, in collaboration with Careers Wales, visited all local Wilko outlets to assist the staff impacted by layoffs.

Furthermore, these employees were enlightened about the benefits they qualify for, accessible through the DWP’s jobcentres.

Fred Hatton, a representative of Pembrokeshire’s Employer and Partnership Team, expressed optimism. “Given the thriving job market, numerous former Wilko employees are exploring job prospects in other retail businesses,” he remarked. He also emphasized the seasonal hiring surge, saying, “Retailers frequently expand their workforce during the festive season, with many transitioning to permanent roles afterwards.”

Mr. Hatton highlighted DWP’s recruitment drive, stating plans to bring on 20 more Work Coach staff at Jobcentres across south-west Wales. This is in addition to the recent advertising for 153 Universal Credit Review staff for the Pembroke Dock Service Centre.

He lauded the proactive efforts of Jobcentre work coaches and partnership teams, asserting their transformative impact on jobseekers’ lives, which consequently bolsters the broader UK economy.

Discussing the local job scenario, Mr. Hatton mentioned, “Many prominent employers regularly have job openings, addressing the inevitable employee turnover. Those on the job hunt should remain hopeful and persistent, even if they don’t immediately spot their dream job.”

He urged jobseekers to be adaptive, suggesting they might start in an alternate role to cultivate confidence and skills for their eventual career aspirations.

Jobseekers are encouraged to inquire about available training. Those not on benefits can approach Careers Wales for guidance. Assistance is extended universally, catering to various demographics and situations, including individuals transitioning from education, those aged 50 and above, individuals with health conditions, and those aiming for career progression.

In another initiative, the NHS Hywel Dda UHB Future Workforce team recently organized informational sessions at Pembroke Dock, Milford Haven, and Haverfordwest Jobcentres. These sessions, which covered topics like NHS recruitment and apprenticeships, were met with significant interest, prompting plans for subsequent ones.

Mr. Hatton concluded, emphasizing the ongoing efforts in Pembrokeshire to bridge employers and jobseekers. “Recent government data is promising. Pembrokeshire has witnessed a 4% decline in benefit claimants over the past year. Notably, unemployment among the 50+ demographic has reduced by a substantial 16% during the same period.”