West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin visited Malvern’s Jobcentre to thanks the staff for their efforts during the Covid-19 crisis.

The MP chatted to James Griffiths who leads the team at the Jobcentre based at Malvern’s library, and discussed the response to the economic shutdown and the impact it had had on local people.

The team and Harriett’s own caseworker team have worked closely on a combined response as some people have lost their jobs and more people have had to apply for Universal Credit and other benefit support.

Harriett said: “I’ve been really impressed at the way that the local Jobcentre team reacted to this sudden surge in workload and the tireless efforts James and his team have put in to help local people.

“Before the lockdown, the local job market was strong and we have already seen some sectors, like delivery jobs and food and online retailers, increasing their staff numbers.

“More Work Coaches are being recruited to help people access to the right advice as they seek to find alternative employment.

“I’m particularly worried about younger people and I’ll was keen to talk to James about some of the national investment plans that will help to create new jobs in the area.

“I’ve already shared my thoughts with the Local Enterprise Partnership about how we could be focusing on creating new apprenticeship opportunities and in the coming months, I’d like to formalise a plan to kick-start the local job market.”