County Durham residents affected by the closure of Clayton Glass near Stanley are being urged to take advantage of free support on offer.
Durham County Council’s Employability Durham team has been supporting former employees of the Annfield Plain-based manufacturer since it announced its sudden closure last month.
From help to create and update CVs and conduct job searches, to submitting applications, preparing for interviews and accessing training and skills opportunities – the team can provide advice and practical support to help people seeking work build confidence and plan for the future.
Cllr Darren Grimes, the council’s Deputy Leader, said: “It’s now just over a month since Clayton Glass employees showed up for a day’s work only to discover the factory had been closed without notice.
“This came as a terrible shock for these workers and their families. Many Clayton Glass employees had been with the firm their whole working life, be that ten, 20 or 30 years, and the jobs market has changed a great deal in that time.
“We want to remind anyone impacted by the Clayton Glass closure that they are not alone. We’re still here to help, and I would encourage anyone who is feeling overwhelmed or uncertain of what to do next, to contact our Employability Durham team on 03000 262009.”
Alongside Employability Durham, the council’s business support service, Business Durham, can help people interested in becoming self-employed.
Companies within the Clayton Glass supply chain can also contact Business Durham for support on exploring new contract, market and supply chain opportunities, along with access to a wide range of other specialist support and advice including marketing, investment readiness and workforce development. Free workshops and webinars are also available covering topics such as business strategy, costing and pricing, video marketing and content creation.
Cllr Karen Allison, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for leisure, tourism, regeneration and high street, said: “When a large company goes into administration, the impact can be felt far beyond its own workforce. Businesses in the supply chain can face significant drops in revenue, resulting in growing financial pressure and uncertainty over the future.
“We would encourage companies affected by the closure of Clayton Glass to contact Business Durham. The team is there to help and can provide a range of specialist support to get you through this difficult time.”
Cllr Grimes added: “Sadly, Clayton Glass isn’t the only firm to have closed in County Durham. Other major employees including Erwin Hymer Group in Consett, Crafter’s Companion in Newton Aycliffe and NSK in Peterlee have either gone into administration or are cutting their workforces. Last month, Greggs also announced it is to begin consultations on the future of its factory in Seaham.
“We’re committed to doing everything in our power to support those affected through our Employability Durham and Business Durham services.
“We are also lobbing the Government and the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority to invest in protecting existing jobs and industries in our area. And we’re pressing for a sustainable employment support funding settlement, which recognises the need within County Durham and enables us to support people when job losses are unavoidable.”
To contact Employability Durham, call 03000 262009 or email employability@durham.gov.uk. For more information about the support on offer, visit www.durham.gov.uk/employability.
To contact Business Durham, call 03000 261261 or email enquiries@businessdurham.co.uk. Find out about the support available at www.businessdurham.co.uk.
