Jobcentre staff are seeing more and more people looking for a career change after Covid-19

Many were in industries where they were well paid and previously in stable positions, such as the engineering industry, explained Colin Hardman, deputy director of social security operations.

He said: ’We are seeing people now that have been made redundant from the engineering field who were in good jobs for 30 years.’

’They are looking at whether they can get back into the industry or should they seek a career change?

’And that’s where we are trying to help.

’They are highly skilled people. They are making the decision on whether they can get back into that industry or will they look for a career change and that is where we are trying to help.’

Mr Hardman stressed they were continually monitoring the hours that Markwell House is open.

And he stressed that people are expected to make an appointment rather than just coming in off the street.

Mr Hardman also confirmed that people do not need to come to Markwell House every week to sign on.

He said: they ’are currently not required to sign on, but the process is under review as we would like to have a more meaningful interaction with an individual to discuss the training and support options available which may place them in a better position to seek employment.

’With the employment services team now based in Markwell House this will mean that services can be more easily accessed.’