Rochdale man appears at Tory conference

Phillip Howorth

A young man from Rochdale who found work through the government’s Work Programme has taken part in a Work and Pensions session at the Conservative Party Conference.

Phillip Howorth, 19, appeared on stage with Employment Minister, Chris Grayling MP, to answer questions about the programme and how it helped him find work.

Mr Howorth struggled to find work after finishing college and was unemployed for over 9 months. He was referred to the Work Programme by Jobcentre Plus and attended an initial meeting at Groundwork Oldham and Rochdale’s office in Middleton.

Seetec, one of the UK’s leading training and employment specialists commenced delivery of Work Programme in June. They work in partnership with Groundwork.

With the help of Groundwork Mr Howarth successfully applied for a part time job in retail.

He then also secured a position with the Green Team. The Green Team is a training and employment partnership between Groundwork Oldham and Rochdale and Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH). Young unemployed people from Rochdale are given a 6-month paid contract to work on RBH managed sites whilst increasing their skills and qualifications. 

Mr Howorth now works for the Green Team Monday to Thursday and in his part time retail job Friday to Sunday.

Mr Howorth, said: “In the short time I was receiving support from Groundwork it had an astounding effect on my confidence, outlook and ability to get a job.”

Chris Grayling MP said: “It was obvious talking to Phillip that the work done on his behalf by Groundwork and Seetec has made a real difference to him. I hope that his contribution to the panel at the conference will send a clear message that the Work Programme can really help transform the prospects of the unemployed.”

Groundwork’s Lisa Brown, Work Programme Manager, said: “The story of Phil Howorth is just one example of the support we give to increase confidence and help people on their path to work.”