The TUC-WMCA Skills Partnership, an innovative new project launched by the TUC and the West Midlands Combined Authority has been supporting workers facing redundancy at Warburtons bakery in Wednesbury.

Alerted to the redundancies by the recognised union, the BFAWU, the Skills Partnership worked with the employer to provide face-to-face redundancy support to shop floor workers facing a life beyond the bakery.

Some are contemplating retirement, others searching for a new job, often after many years of doing so. The Skills Partnership provided one-to-one support that involved signposting to local redundancy support services and skills providers as well as giving advice on retired life.

TUC Projects Officer, Matt Pointon said:

This service is vitally important as many of the employees taking redundancy were not aware of the options open to them. By working in partnership with both the employer and the combined authority, we have been able to provide quality advice and signposting.

The feedback from the participants has been extremely positive.

I found the session very interesting and informative.

The new skills I have attained will be put to good use in the very near future.

I’m really grateful for the opportunity and support.

A Warburtons spokesperson added:

Matt was really flexible with his approach, tailoring the sessions to the needs of the individuals, ensuring the maximum benefit for the time they spend with him… It was easy to organise, and Matt accommodated multiple sessions to meet the needs of those attending.

TUC Midlands Regional Secretary, Lee Barron, said:

We’re really proud of the unique and innovative way we are partnering with the combined authority to provide better skills opportunities for working people here in the West Midlands metropolitan area.

If your union is active in the West Midlands Combined Authority area and would like some skills support from the Skills Partnership, please contact Matt Pointon at [email protected]

Access unionlearn's Skills and Recovery resources at https://www.unionlearn.org.uk/skills-and-recovery