Graham Helton of Jobcentre Plus explains what can be done to get back into work
UK unemployment stopped rising in the middle of 2009 after a very sharp rise in the previous 12 months because of the recession.
With nearly two and a half million still out of work it is a very big problem.
Despite that, there are still many job vacancies in the UK at any one time.
People looking for a job can start with a
database of jobs
held by Jobcentre Plus. As well as doing this online, you can get information about positions and how to apply
by telephone.
The website also gives advice on writing, or updating your CV - which an adviser at your local Jobcentre Plus office can also help with.
Careers advice is available, with bilingual advisers on hand. There are websites for people in
England
, in
Scotland
, in
Wales
and in
Northern Ireland
.
For information about training or learning new skills, there are also websites for people living in
England
, in
Scotland
, in
Wales
.
Job seekers who find themselves unemployed for more than six months have been guaranteed more support in getting back to work by the government, including extra training for would-be employees and financial incentives for employers.
However the charity Credit Action, has produced
an excellent guide to facing up to redundancy.
It advises people not to panic and to take time to assess what kind of work you would like to do.
It also suggests using contacts to get work. But it warns against rushing out immediately after you are made redundant - this can be counter-productive if you are in an emotional state.
Organisations such as
The Samaritans
can offer help and advice if the emotional impact of being made redundant gets too much.
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