Norfolk County Council has announced a new package of support as the county prepares for what could be a significant rise in job losses. A report presented to the authority’s cabinet has warned that Norfolk may face up to 15,000 redundancies over the next couple of years. The focus key phrase Norfolk redundancy support service will be integrated throughout this article to reflect the central theme.
The council is developing a 12 month pilot programme that will introduce an online portal designed to connect businesses and employees with both local and national support where there is risk of redundancy. If an individual requires more tailored assistance, they will be referred to a suitable project or service able to provide bespoke help through a dedicated team. The intention is to ensure the Norfolk redundancy support service offers a coherent and accessible route to guidance.
The backdrop to the new initiative includes the expected loss of up to 550 jobs at Lotus Cars following major cutbacks announced in August, as well as a possible 350 job losses at the NHS Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Board. During the 2020 recession, the UK recorded 750,000 job losses. Norfolk specific data was not available but the area is widely estimated to account for around 2 percent of the national average. Based on this, the report suggests that Norfolk could be facing up to 15,000 job losses in the near future.
Businesses have reported financial pressures linked to an increase in employer National Insurance contributions, minimum wage rises and new Day 1 rights relating to sick pay and parental leave. These changes are affecting staffing levels. Other wider factors include US tariffs, international conflicts, inflation, interest rates and the ongoing effects of Brexit. Together these elements contribute to an uncertain economic climate that the Norfolk redundancy support service aims to help residents navigate.
The Department for Work and Pensions operates a Rapid Response Service for employers who formally notify of planned redundancies involving 20 or more staff. The service then discusses potential support with employers. Norfolk’s business landscape is dominated by micro businesses, with 88 percent employing nine people or fewer. Many of these would not meet the threshold for DWP support, yet job losses have equally significant impacts on workers and communities. The Norfolk redundancy support service intends to bridge this gap by offering assistance to businesses of all sizes.
The pilot programme will be reviewed and evaluated throughout the 12 month period. Subject to sufficient demand, the service could continue after future devolution measures and Local Government Reorganisation. The aspiration is to ensure ongoing support for the workforce during a period of economic pressure.
Cllr Fabian Eagle, Cabinet Member for Employment and Skills at Norfolk County Council, said: “As a council we want to do absolutely everything we can to support people who have lost or are at risk of losing their jobs. There is already a lot of support available, and this online portal will simplify access to this for both businesses and individuals. People will also be able to get referred for individual support from a dedicated team.”
