Published: Friday 29 October 2021
Weekly lunchtime information sessions are being run throughout November in Kensington and Chelsea to offer advice to professionals whose career or businesses has been impacted by Covid.
Local figures show that those aged 28-40 have seen the highest uptake of Universal Credit claims in the borough since the pandemic, with many in established occupations either being made redundant or had their income streams slow or stop altogether.
These sessions, called ‘Transition Lunches’, are being hosted by guest speakers covering a range of topics to support local residents dealing with a change in employment status and transitioning to a new career path.
Cllr Catherine Faulks, Lead Member for Economy Employment and Innovation said:“The impact of Covid-19 has been felt across all sectors, particularly having an impact on retail, hospitality, travel and the creative industries, leading to many skilled workers now finding themselves out of employment.
“These Transition Lunches offer a unique opportunity to address various issues which people may face and help to prepare them for a new career pathway and the prospects open to them. Working with our partners, we’re dedicated to providing access to employment support for everyone in the borough who needs it.”
The full list of Transition Lunches includes:
- Tuesday 2 November: ‘Learning on the job – Apprenticeships, traineeships and more’ run by Ixion and Shaw Trust at Maroush restaurant
- Tuesday 9 November: ‘Business Support and Mentoring’ run by Portobello Business Centre at The Bolton pub
- Tuesday 16 November: ‘Benefits, Grants and Start-up funding’ run by Kensington and Chelsea Council at Orjowan restaurant
- Tuesday 23 November: ‘The Killer Personal Statement’ run by Morley College at The Troubadour
- Tuesday 25 January 2022: ‘Reframing your career’ run by Morley College at Masala Zone Earl’s Court
- Tuesday 1 February 2022 (TBC): ‘Developing skills for running your own business’ run by Ixion and Shaw Trust at Theo's Simple Italian
The Transition Lunches are being hosted in restaurants across Earl’s Court, providing a relaxed and social space for attendees to learn and network, and supporting local hospitality businesses who have also been impacted by the pandemic.
Attendees can meet and discuss with business and employment support groups and find out more about the additional free services available to them, as well as the topic being presented on the day.
Funded by Kensington and Chelsea Council, the sessions are being run in partnership with Mutual Aid KC, Earl’s Court Business Forum, Morley College, Portobello Business Centre, Shaw Trust and Excluded UK.
Spaces are limited so please register your interest for any of the sessions listed and find the right support to get your professional life back on track.
All of the Transition Lunches can be found on Eventbrite for more information and to register.