Three Greater Manchester councils are teaming up to launch a new service for Jewish job seekers.
Both Bury and Salford City councils currently commission Prestwich-based The Jewel Foundation to provide information, advice and guidance to Jewish residents wanting to boost their employability and vocational skills and household income.
Now Manchester City Council is to join them in jointly commissioning The Jewel Foundation to offer a new service from July 2023. Sessions will be delivered from existing community venues in north Greater Manchester already used by the community.
The joint service will also make links with specialist organisations which can advise the community on financial support and making their homes more energy efficient, as part of its remit to boost household incomes. It is expected to help around 450 people a year with most service users coming from Salford and Bury.
All three councils and members of the Jewish community were involved in the evaluating the tender for the new service which will help people with their health and wellbeing, confidence, work and vocational skills and career management including self-employment.
Councillor Bill Hinds, Lead Member for Skills and Work, Business and Workforce at Salford City Council said: “This is a great opportunity to continue supporting local residents to achieve their ambitions and maximise social value to the community through jobs, local spend and support for community organisations.”
Councillor Charlotte Morris, Cabinet Member for Culture, The Economy and Skills, Bury Council, said: “We know our Jewish residents rely on trusted organisations which understand their culture to help them navigate the complex skills and work system. We are delighted to be continuing this service and help them achieve their goals.”
Councillor John Hacking, Executive Member for Skills, Employment, and Leisure, Manchester City Council said: "This new service is a win-win for local residents in north Manchester who will benefit from advice and support to improve their employability and skills from an organisation that not only knows the area well but is also based at the heart of the community."
Isaac Ginsbury, Chief Executive of Jewel added: “This project will ensure Jewish residents who have specific challenges when looking for work, will now have one universal service which is not limited by postcode and where residents will continue to be able to increase their skills and access employment opportunities.”
Subject to satisfactory performance the contract will run until 2025 with an option to extend.