In July project workers from the Union Learning Fund supported BFAWU Learning Services team were asked to go and assist with redundancy support at Kara foods in Bury, Greater Manchester.

The redundancy situation at the food producer had come about due to the pandemic and a massive drop in food service orders, and it was the first-time project workers had visited the site since the lockdown.

Ben Lee was one of those project workers and felt it was a massive learning curve for them as they learned to adhere to social distancing and the cleaning of equipment as and when the staff had used it.

Ben said:

It was strange but we got through it and all the staff commented that they had felt like they were in a safe environment.”

The union supported potential redundancy candidates and started by talking them through things they could expect when in interview situations as this could give them the edge when they go for interviews.

Project workers helped by explaining how to act in a group interview situation telling them to be confident and put themselves in the spotlight but remember to be thoughtful of others.

Ben explained:

We then wrote them their CV making sure everything they have achieved in work and home life has been covered and also added hobbies and interest after that we asked them if they wanted us to sign them up to job websites. This was so that when jobs they were interested in they would receive an email direct to them meaning that it would give them more opportunity to find a new job.”

Staff were also showed all the courses the Learning Services team could provide whether it be distance learning through Learning Curve or on platforms such as Learn My Way and Alison.

Ben added:

At the end we passed on our details and told them if there was anything they needed don’t hesitate to contact us and wished them all the best for their future.”