Responding to the Economic Downturn
A number of measures have now been put in place at national, regional and a local level to co-ordinate the public sector response to the current economic downturn. Gloucestershire First has established an Economic Taskforce to address the impact of the recession on the economy of the county.
Gloucestershire Economic Taskforce
The Taskforce has been set up and meets on a bi-monthly basis to monitor the impact of the economic downturn on the economy of Gloucestershire, to track national and regional support initiatives and to ensure that they are publicised and to initiate action to minimise the short, medium and long term impact of the recession. Members of the Taskforce; Gloucestershire First, Local Authorities, LSC, Business Link, Jobcentre Plus, Federation of Gloucestershire Colleges, University of Gloucestershire, Trade Union, Gloucestershire Chamber of Commerce, Federation of Small Businesses and The Primary Care Trust.
Agenda Minutes
10 February 2009
10 March 2009 10 March 2009
6 April 2009 6 April 2009
11 May 2009 11 May 2009
12 June 2009 12 June 2009
1 September 2009 1 September 2009
9 November 2009 9 November 2009
Area Action Force
This operational sub group meets on a monthly basis to deal with job losses and business closures, reporting to the Economic Taskforce by responding to the anticipated increase in redundancies and ensuring that public sector responses are co-ordinated with the relevant partners.
A central co-ordinating desk has been set up in the Gloucestershire First offices to provide an initial response and engage with the partners to work with those companies considering redundancy or have already announced job losses/closures.
For more information:
T: 01242 864191/864195
E: taskforce@glosfirst.co.uk
A number of initiatives and projects have been implemented in response to the economic downturn to support businesses and individuals.
Graduate Challenge:
Offers structured, high quality, four month work placements that will help you achieve real business objectives - improving both your business performance and upskilling your work force.
www.graduatechallenge.co.uk
Response to Redundancy:
R2R aims to assist employers making redundancies; employees on notice of redundancy; and those recently made redundant (under six mths) to: retrain; gain qualifications for skills; and / or to start a business.
This is delivered through a full programme of funded training; job search support; and ongoing mentoring (on a 1:1 basis). Gloucestershire First aims to deliver and support its Gloucestershire Small Businesses and Residents during these difficult times.
Click here for more information
Toolkit launched to help retailers combat credit crunch - a free interactive toolkit crammed with practical ideas has been launched in the Forest of Dean. This is linked to the first stop Local Shop campaign in the four Market Towns with financial support from the Gloucestershire Rural Renaissance Programme.
Read more...
Support and Advice Links:
There are many local, regional and national organisations offering support and advice to help businesses through the current economic downturn. Below are listed a number of key partners websites.
Gloucestershire County Council has launched a new freephone telephone helpline to signpost people to the huge amount of support available from voluntary and public sector organisations.
Call 0800 0688918 or local rate 01452 426261