New support service for Greater Manchester workers aims to improve job security and career progression
|
Thousands of people across Greater Manchester to receive free,
personalised support to boost their skills and achieve their
potential In Work Progression service will provide coaching
and practical advice for people in low-paid or insecure jobs
New programme helping to deliver Greater Manchester's Live Well
mission to tackle inequalities through community-based
support A new service is now available across Greater
Manchester, offering free...Request free
trial
A new service is now available across Greater Manchester, offering free one-to-one support to help people take the next step in work - from finding local job opportunities to building confidence, boosting skills, and overcoming practical barriers. The In Work Progression service is aimed at people in low-paid or insecure jobs, for example, those on low pay, claiming benefits while working, in zero-hours contracts, or in roles that don't make full use of their skills and experience. It provides tailored support to help them maximise their potential and access better-quality employment. The service is free, voluntary, and open to anyone aged 18 or over who currently lives or works in Greater Manchester. Participants receive tailored, individual support including information and advice around opportunities in their current job or a new job, coaching to help overcome barriers to progressing in their careers, and practical support such as applying for new roles and accessing skills or training courses. Support is available until January 2027. The service supports Greater Manchester's Live Well approach, helping to deliver on the city region's ambition to offer everyday support around work, health, housing and wellbeing in every neighbourhood. It directly contributes to our shared goal of reducing inequalities, supporting people in low-paid or insecure work to thrive, not just survive. Greater Manchester is the UK's fastest growing economy. By helping people stay in work, progress in their careers and increase their income, the service supports efforts to reduce in-work poverty, close the gap between the city region and national employment rates, and ensure everyone here can share in Greater Manchester's economic success. The In Work Progression service builds on the success of Working Well, which has already helped thousands of Greater Manchester residents stay in or move into work. The service is delivered locally across all ten Greater Manchester boroughs, through councils working in partnership with local employment and skills providers. Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said: “In Greater Manchester we believe everyone should get the support they need to thrive. But too many people are stuck in jobs that don't pay the bills and don't reflect their potential. “In Work Progression is about changing that. It's about backing our residents with the support they need to move forward - whether that's growing skills and experience, gaining greater job security, or work that's better paid. “It also shows what our Live Well approach is all about: practical, joined-up support, embedded in neighbourhoods, that gets to the root causes of the challenges communities face." Real stories from local people An early pilot of the In Work Progression service has already supported people across the city region to gain new skills, move into better jobs, and increase their income. Now, the service is being rolled out in every borough, offering more people access to personalised guidance that's built around their goals whether that's switching careers, boosting confidence, or overcoming practical challenges to progressing in their job. Pamela Hodson – From juggling three jobs to building a new career “I was working three part-time jobs, school transport driver, personal assistant and some cleaning work and still struggling to pay the bills. It felt like I was constantly running but getting nowhere. I was referred to the In Work Progression service team in Tameside, and that's when things started to shift.
“They helped me take a proper look at my skills and what I had to
offer, which I hadn't done in years. I got support with rewriting
my CV, and my coach helped me practise for interviews. Most
importantly, they helped me believe I could go for something
better.
Jay – A new direction with help from
Ambition Manchester, Manchester's local delivery
team “We looked at roles that fit my experience and they supported me through the whole process, rewriting my CV, practising interview questions, and just encouraging me to go for it. “I've now secured a full-time job as a Live Chat Support Specialist. It's a proper reset for me. I feel more motivated, more confident and actually excited about what comes next.” Who can use the service? The In Work Progression service is open to anyone aged 18 or over who is currently in work, who lives or works in Greater Manchester, and has the legal right to work in the UK. It is designed for people who are on low pay, claiming benefits while working, in jobs that don't use their full skills, or in insecure work such as zero-hours contracts. The service is free, voluntary, and available across all ten Greater Manchester councils. People can sign up themselves or be referred by an employer, GP, or community organisation. How to get support For further information, visit In Work Progression - Greater Manchester Combined Authority In Work Progression is delivered locally by Greater Manchester's ten local councils. Residents can get more information and arrange an appointment with an advisor in their area using the relevant details:
Notes to editors
|