Stead McAlpin

Redundancy support – spaces available on advice days

There are still spaces available on the advice and support days which are being held for local residents recently made redundant from the Stead McAlpin textiles print works.

One-to-one support sessions are available on the afternoon of Friday, 17 April, up until 4pm.

Due to the high demand for advice and support an extra day has been organised and there are now slots available on Monday, 20 April, in the afternoon, at the Civic Centre.

Information on redundancy support, how to access benefits and training will all be available.

Anyone wishing to book one of the half-hour sessions, should contact Carlisle City Council on 01228 817544 as soon as possible.

Carlisle City Council and Cumbria County Council are working with partner organisations to provide support to local residents recently made redundant from the Stead McAlpin textiles print works.

Formerly part of the John Lewis Partnership, the Cummersdale firm was sold to Apex Textiles in September 2007. The business was put into administration, with the loss of more than 60 jobs, last week.

Discussions have already taken place with the John Lewis Partnership to clarify redundancy issues and also with Job Centre Plus, who will ‘fast track’ those affected through the claims process. A meeting has also been held with the administrators.

The councils are bringing together representatives from Job Centre Plus, Learning and Skills Council, Carlisle College, training bodies and advice agencies to co-ordinate the support available to those facing redundancy.