More Former SSI Workers Secure New Employment

Another three former SSI workers are back into employment thanks to help from the SSI Task Force Jobs and Skills Fund.

Damian Griffiths 41, Robert Windras 44, and Joshua Holmes, 27, lost their jobs when the Redcar steelworks closed last year but now have been taken on by Cleveland Fire Brigade Risk Management (CFBRM).

Damian will take on a new role of site protection manager at the company while Robert and Joshua are now site protection officers at CFBRM.

The Task Force fund was set up to help local firms employ former SSI workers, their spouses, supply chain workers and contractors in to full-time or part-time jobs. The scheme subsidises the cost of employment for positions made available for a minimum of two years with a payment of 50% of the basic salary costs for each new job created.

So far, over 300 jobs have been created through the SSI Task Force Jobs and Skills Fund.

Damian, who had worked at SSI for over 15 years, said: “It’s been really unsettling since SSI closed as I had worked there for so long and it was hard to imagine starting something new. I’m so pleased that I have been able to get a new job and I am looking forward to what the future holds.”

Robert, who had worked at the steelworks for a year, said: “Although I had only worked at SSI for a short time, I had hoped to build a long career there. I’ve been grateful for the help I’ve received in finding a suitable position and I now hope to have a successful career at CFB Risk Management.”

Joshua, who had five years’ experience at SSI, said: “It was such a worrying time for everyone who lost their jobs due to the closure of the steelworks last year and I am pleased that things are starting to turn round for me. I cannot thank CFB Risk Management and the Task Force enough for all their help and support.”

Amanda Skelton, chair of the SSI Task Force and chief executive of Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, said: “Almost 2000 former SSI and supply chain workers have now moved off benefit – the majority are in full-time employment or training. The commitment of the Task Force to revitalising our economy remains as strong as ever and we will continue to work with local organisations to help get people back into work.”

Richard Davis, Sales and Marketing Manager at CFB Risk Management, said: “Damian, Robert and Joshua have proved to be fantastic additions to our team, we look forward to them continuing to build on their strengths and hope they develop successful careers at the company. Our experience with the Task Force has been nothing but positive and I would recommend it to other businesses across the Tees Valley.”

For more information on The SSI Task Force Jobs and Skills Fund visit: www.teesvalley-ca.gov.uk or call 01642 524 412.