Barking & Dagenham Council launches ‘Working Together’ campaign

An east London council has launched a campaign to help support businesses and people who find themselves out of work as the capital moves into tier two coronavirus restrictions.

Barking and Dagenham Council’s “Working Together” campaign aims to help people find employment and training support, including skills courses, help accessing Universal Credit or funding available for local businesses.

According to the latest figures, between April 2019 and March 2020 the borough recorded the highest unemployment rate in London at 6.1 per cent.

A council spokesman said: “Since the start of the pandemic, many of our residents and businesses have continued to struggle financially and there has been a huge impact on people’s income and employment.

“Further restrictions are likely to exacerbate this and the council is determined to ensure residents and businesses can access as much support as possible to help the borough weather the storm.”

The campaign will run on the council’s social media and website.

Councillor Sade Bright, cabinet member for employment, said: “Many lives have been turned upside down due to the impacts of Covid-19. Sadly, the journey is not over yet and it’s really important we continue to work together with residents and businesses alike, so that we can come out the other side of this pandemic stronger than ever.

“That’s why we’re launching the ‘Working Together’ campaign, to make sure residents can easily find support.

“We also want to highlight all of the support available from the council to help keep our local businesses going and save local jobs.

“I urge residents and local business owners to keep your eyes on the council’s social media channels over the coming weeks, as we share support links to help get you back on track.”