Homeworking co-op sets out on pioneering trail

A ground-breaking co-operative is aiming to provide training and support for people who work at home.

Rochdale Homeworkers’ Support Group’s newly formed Tanzeem Co-operative is believed to be the first of its kind in the country.

The co-operative, which holds its meetings at Deeplish Children’s Centre, currently has 21 members. It provides practical help and advice for residents around the borough who, for health, family or other reasons, want to work at home, either for themselves or an employer.

Tanzeem Mahmood, co-ordinator of the new co-operative, said: “With Rochdale being the World Capital of Co-operatives and 2012 the International Year of Co-operatives, this is the ideal time and place to be launching our project.

“The nature of home-based work has changed in recent years with fewer opportunities in areas like sewing but more for things like home care, interpreting and catering.

“We’re currently looking at ways of getting funding to provide our members with the training that will enable them to take advantage of these new openings.”