The Big Issue (TBI) has partnered with resourcing firm momenta to launch a jobs and training helpline for those experiencing joblessness in the midst of the pandemic.
The helpline, staffed by recruitment professionals, will be available for those who have lost or are worried about their jobs during the pandemic. Momenta provides jobs in sectors such as financial services, technology and legal.
The helpline will connect those who are looking for support with their job hunt to a Momenta expert able to offer free advice on everything from how to write a cover letter, and how to write a CV, to tips on interview techniques, skills-matching, coaching and presentation.
The pandemic and subsequent lockdowns have hit workers of all ages and qualifications hard. One in eight recent graduates was unemployed by the summer of 2020, according to new figures from the Office of National Statistics, double the normal rate, with 2.2 million people expected to be out of a job by the end of this year.
The move is the latest innovation to come out of The Ride Out Recession Alliance (RORA), which was formed by the founder of The Big Issue, Lord Bird to help the UK Government to implement preventative measures tackling homelessness and unemployment caused by the Covid 19 pandemic.
“We are delighted Momenta are bringing their support and expertise to address employability coaching,” said Lord John Bird, founder of The Big Issue. “Keeping people in work over this time is the key to reducing poverty, therefore equipping individuals with the skills and confidence to aim for new employment is fundamental right now.”
Momenta Group founder Richard Stevens said: “Every industry needs to play its role in getting the economy going, so we, as recruiters, will use our knowledge, expertise, empathy and instinct to support jobseekers back into the workplace. We know there are many unemployed due to the pandemic who have not been in the employment market for years, and will need a refresh, review and a friendly coach to support their journey back to work. We look forward to playing our role in The Big Issue’s relevant and impactful RORA initiative.”
