Ministerial visit 15/05/03

 PRESS RELEASE

MINISTER FOR WORK MEETS ‘TEXT FOR SUCCESS’

JOBSEEKERS AT AWARD-WINNING BRIXTON CAFE

Unemployed Brixton job seekers today sipped coffee and chatted with Minister for Work, Nick Brown MP, about how they have used London’s first internet-based Employment Café and ‘job text’ service to help find work.

Jobseekers showed how they are able to keep their job searches active using the Employment Café’s interactive text messaging service, which sends the latest job information straight to their mobile phones. People of different ages and backgrounds demonstrated how they can access the latest expert job advice, surf the net for jobs and email employers, all in a jazz-filled atmosphere designed to reflect the Employment Café’s unique approach to unemployment solutions. 

Nick Brown MP said:

“The Employment Café has taken a refreshing and effective approach to helping the unemployed back into work. It provides jobseekers’ with resources that are tailored to their individual needs. I welcome the introduction of ‘job texting’ as a quick and simple way of reaching a diverse range of people.”

Other visitors included Kate Hoey MP, who launched the Employment Café’s innovative job texting scheme in February in the House of Commons, and Faith Boardman, Chief Executive of Lambeth Council.

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For photos, job seeker case profiles and quotations, and further information, please contact: Rokhsana Fiaz (07930 444253) or Noor Yafai (07939 243 790)

at Media Strategy on 0207 234 0011.

 Notes for Editors:

1. The Employment Café, founded by Ros Griffiths, was established in 2001 to provide employment and careers advice to people seeking jobs. Based in Brixton, which has one of the highest rates of unemployment in London, it is an Internet café, where clients can sip coffee and search the web for jobs. In addition, clients also receive careers advice, computer training, and introductions to potential employers.
2. The Employment Café has already been awarded a 2-year contract with the Department for Work and Pensions through Jobcentre Plus to provide outreach employment services to ethnic minorities in Lambeth, Southwark and Wandsworth.

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