Council to consider new policy aimed at boosting local employment opportunities

Councillor Richard Farnell, the leader of Rochdale Borough Council

A new policy which would target entry level jobs at people living in the borough is being considered by Rochdale Borough Council.

The proposal would mean that only people who live in the Rochdale borough would be eligible to apply for jobs advertised at pay grades one to three (from £15,014 to £17,772).

The job would include roles such as cleaning, caretaking and catering, as well as certain administration and mailroom posts.

The suggestion was put forward by council leader, Councillor Richard Farnell, as a means of driving up local employment and investing in Rochdale residents.

He said: “What I’m proposing will mean local jobs for local people, which is something I’m really passionate about. It’s only right that as a council we support the residents we serve as best we can, and that includes giving them access to as many opportunities as possible.

“Not only will this give jobs to people who may otherwise have had to rely on unemployment benefit, it will also give them a vital first step on the career ladder, with some of the most senior people in our council starting here many years ago in entry level jobs.

“This will also help the wider local economy, as people with jobs will have more money to spend with local businesses.” 

Rochdale Online Managing Director, Pauline Journeaux, said: "For a number of years Rochdale Online has proposed the Council advertises its jobs in our very popular jobs section as with a massive local audience Rochdale Online can help the Council to recruit local people. Advertising the jobs locally also helps boost the local economy, so perhaps Councillor Farnell will act on this now."