Advice for jobseekers and people in work
Whether you're working, recently made redundant, looking for a job or thinking about returning to work, we know the uncertainty arising from the cost of living crisis is having a big impact on people's lives.
We understand that residents are facing immediate challenges and need to access the right support quickly, but it is also a time when many people are thinking about what the future holds and what this means for work, wages and career prospects.
To make things a little easier in difficult circumstances we're bringing together all the information you need about work and gaining new skills and putting it in one place. On this page you'll find information and links to keep you up to date and help you access support.
Help for households
Government guidance is available to see what cost of living support you could be eligible for, visit the Help for Households website.
If you're looking for work now, you can find full and part time jobs nationally, locally and even close to where you live using the Department for Work and Pensions 'find a job' service (opens new window).
Personalised support, tips and help is available through the national JobHelp service (opens new window).
When you're in work you may be able to claim tax relief on work related expenses. Find out more (opens new window).
The Flexible Support Fund is available to those on Universal Credit and can help pay for things you need to get into work and progress your career, such as initial childcare costs, training, uniforms and work tools. Speak to your Jobcentre Plus work coach (opens new window) to find out whether this support is right for you.
We're here to help
We are working with partners locally to help residents access the support they need to help deal with cost-of-living challenges. If you're not sure what support is available or where to start, you can contact us directly.
Whether you want to find a job now or you're thinking about working in the future we can help you. If you're thinking about a career change or would like a new role which better suits your current circumstances, we can help.
We know that everyone's situation is not the same. We are all different. The support we can provide to help you move towards, into or stay in work recognises this. From an initial chat to personalised coaching, we will support and encourage you.
To get in touch you can email us workinggateshead@gateshead.gov.uk
Please include your name, a contact telephone number and, if possible, what your enquiry is about so we can help you as quickly as we can.
You can also complete an online enquiry form.
Adult learning and training
Learning and Skills
Whether you're just starting out in your career, looking to change direction, or to learn something new, our Learning and Skills service offers a wide range of courses. From entry level training programmes, right through to Level 6, we can support your unique learning journey. We also offer a huge range of non-accredited and first steps learning programmes.
We're also the second largest local authority provider of apprenticeships in the UK. So whether you're looking to recruit an apprentice or become one, our team can help.
In January 2020 Ofsted rated us as a GOOD provider, and we're committed to providing an excellent service to learners of all ages. Join our community of more than 11,000 learners and let us help you learn, grow and thrive.
Visit the Gateshead Council Learning and Skills website (opens new window).
Careers information, advice and guidance
National Careers Service
The National Careers Service (opens new window) provide careers information, advice and guidance to help people make decisions on learning, training and work at all stages in your career. Whether you are just starting out or want to change direction, they can help you.
Careers information advice and guidance for young people
Our careers team offers impartial advice and guidance to young people aged 13-19 to help them explore their vocational interests and enter the labour market.
Experienced career advisors can offer support to help young people understand the range of post-16 education, training and employment options available. This includes 6th form studies, college courses, higher education, training and study programs as well as apprenticeships.
If you're struggling with social, health or welfare problems that are affecting your ability to engage in work or learning we may be able to help or put you in touch with specialist services that can.
Further support is available up to the age of 25 for young people who have an Education and Health Care plan.
Careers information, advice and guidance
Job opportunities
Gateshead Works
Gateshead Works matches people who want to work within Gateshead by linking them with employers recruiting locally.
Gateshead Works is delivered in partnership with Gateshead College, Northumbria University and the Department for Work and Pensions.
Government services and information
Guidance is published daily by Government and this includes advice for people who are:
Unable to work - what to do if someone you live with is ill (opens new window)
Unemployed - what to do if you've lost your job (opens new window)