Enfield Council: Helping over 50's with employment

A range of measures have been unveiled by Enfield Council to help those over 50 in the borough find lasting employment, and access training.

This includes a special 50+ team which has been set up in the local Job Centre Plus (JCP), a dedicated Jobsnet caseworker who supports over 50s to find work, and a weekly Monday morning 10am to 12 noon session at the Dugdale aimed at older people who are unemployed.

Enfield Jobsnet is the council’s job brokerage service which helps anyone living in Enfield find work. Residents visiting Jobsnet will be offered free confidential advice, signposting to suitable vacancies, jobs search help and support and continued assistance when you find a job.

Resident Helen Kalogirou, 58, from Southgate used Jobsnet when she was made redundant from a banking job that she had enjoyed for 23 years.

Helen said “When I was looking for work the main problem was that I lacked computer skills, all jobs now usually require confidence with technology which I didn’t have.

“Lorna at Jobsnet was fantastic. She helped me write a CV as a well written CV can really get you noticed with employers. Jobsnet were very helpful, without being judgemental.

“Anyone serious about finding a job should contact Jobsnet. Even if you are older you will meet other people in the same age group as you also seeking work, which is really helpful.

“So often when you are made redundant you are just left to find a job, with no help or guidance. Jobsnet sorts this for you, so much help all in one place”

Cllr Alan Sitkin, Enfield Council’s Cabinet Member for Economic Development said “The over 50s may experience additional problems when they are looking for work. They might, for instance, have spent most of their lives in one occupation or have suffered a loss in confidence due to recent unemployment. There might also be a few who can benefit from an updating of their computer skills.

“Enfield Council recognises these specific issues and has put in place a raft of specialist free services that can advise, support and help older jobseekers to find the right job. I would urge anyone in this situation to make contact with Jobsnet and start on the road to a new job.”

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