Cumbria Chamber of Commerce is acting as a clearing house to put people thrown out of work by the Coronavirus outbreak in touch with businesses desperate to recruit.
Individuals and businesses can register their details with the Chamber Connect service on its website at https://www.cumbriachamber.co.uk/news/28113-chamber-connect-our-database-of-talent
The Chamber will match those available for work with employers looking to recruit.
Chamber Chief Executive Rob Johnston said: “We know that some businesses are laying off people or have staff who are idle because of the Coronavirus restrictions.
“But equally, there are others keen to recruit to plug gaps in their workforce caused by higher absenteeism rates.
“Chamber Connect puts the two together. We’re offering this as a free service to help businesses through this critical time.”
Individuals who are available for work can leave their details, as can businesses looking to release staff temporarily.
Likewise, those businesses wanting to recruit can leave details of their requirements.
Catherynn Dunstan, the Chamber’s Business Solutions Manager, is co-ordinating Chamber Connect. She can be contacted at [email protected]
The Chamber is also conducting a survey to gauge how Cumbrian businesses are coping with the crisis. Businesses can complete the survey at https://www.cumbriachamber.co.uk/news/28108-complete-our-coronavirus-survey
Rob added: “We know many businesses are suffering cash-flow problems but we need to understand more about how businesses are being affected, what help they need and how long they can carry on if current restrictions continue.
“I’d also urge businesses to look at the Coronavirus toolkit on the Chamber’s website.
“This is updated daily and has been expanded greatly since we launched it a month ago.
“Businesses can download webinars and a business continuity plan, listen to a podcast on employment and contract issues and get information about loans and grants.
“It’s a one-stop shop for getting businesses through this.”
The toolkit is at https://www.cumbriachamber.co.uk/news/27976-coronavirus-what-businesses-need-to-know
