In light of a decrease of 17,721 Welsh workforce jobs in September 2020, compared to 2019, what steps will the Minister take to review how the Welsh Government may support further retraining opportunities for those individuals who have lost their job as a consequence of the pandemic?
At the heart of the £40m skills and jobs fund announced in July 2020 is a pledge that everyone over 16 will receive the assistance they need to access advice and support to find work or to pursue self-employment or to find and take up a place in education or training.
Working Wales has supported many thousands of people since April 2020 with advice and guidance as well as referrals to a range of programmes. The service has also been adapted to deliver web chat, text messaging and call services, with free online learning for workers on furlough, to ensure support where it is needed most.
Our offer of retraining support following redundancy, or to those at risk of job loss was expanded in 2020. The ReAct programme is targeting direct support in light of the anticipated rise in redundancy levels.
Additionally, in August 2020, the Apprenticeship Employer Incentive Scheme was launched. Under this scheme, employers can receive up to £3,000 for recruiting apprentices under 25, and up to £2,000 for over 25s.
We have also introduced a payment of up to £2,600 for the re-employment of redundant apprentices.