DOZENS of social housing residents across mid Cheshire have been helped into new jobs thanks to Weaver Vale Housing Trust.

Figures released this week show that nationally, unemployment has risen to five per cent, with more than 1.7 million people now jobless – the highest level in five years.

But since last March, Weaver Vale has secured 88 jobs, amounting to more than £1 million in additional income gains for those residents.

Sarah Saward, head of income at Weaver Vale, said: “The impact that the pandemic is having on the jobs market is still very much being felt.

"These latest national figures are disheartening, but we are determined to continue supporting our customers through this difficult time as part of our commitment to tackling inequality and building back fairer.

“I’m really proud of the support we’ve provided over the last year and the results we’ve seen.

"We’re very aware that the need for this service may increase in the coming months, and we’ll be doing all we can to continue helping our customers.”

The trust has a specialist work and enterprise team, which offers valuable job-seeking support and guidance for its residents.

It has also developed strong links with private and public sector employers and support agencies which, alongside knowledge of local services, makes employment opportunities more accessible.

Sarah believes that housing associations have a vital role to play in helping people through the pandemic – not only maintaining financial stability, but helping to provide support and guidance to enable a more secure future for their residents.

She added: “Housing associations have a much bigger role to play in our communities than simply providing accommodation.

"We exist to help people improve their lives, and we’ve stepped up more than ever during this pandemic to do that."