300 new jobs in Rochdale - and counting

Impact Partnership, part of whose remit is to generate local jobs for Rochdale workers, has proudly announced its achievement taking on its 300th recruit.

Working in conjunction with Rochdale Borough Council the target is over 1300 new jobs over a 15 year period.

The first recruit started three years ago and the 300th recruit has just started. The milestone employee, Gill Hoyle, is an ex-Woolworths worker who was made redundant late last year.

She has been given a job, along with 12 other ex-Woolworths staff, at a contact centre on Buckley Road, where various telephone enquiries for Rochdale Borough Council are handled.

Ms Hoyle, who had been dedicated to her Woolworths job since leaving school said: "I was so sad when Woolworths closed.

"But I consider myself very fortunate in getting this position at Impact, particularly given the number of people losing their jobs. I'm proud of becoming Impact's 300th newest recruit".

Roger Ellis, Chief Executive of Rochdale Borough Council, said: "When the Impact Partnership started out in April 2006, 292 Council staff were seconded across.

The key objective for establishing the Partnership is to create at least 1,305 sustainable jobs.

"To have created 300 new jobs in under three years, despite the recession, is a great achievement. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with the Impact Partnership in our shared commitment to jobs growth and regeneration."

Councillor Mohammad Sharif, cabinet member for regeneration on Rochdale Borough Council, said: "Council staff have been working hard over recent weeks to help people who've found themselves being made redundant and I am delighted that this group of former Woolworths staff have secured jobs in our customer contact centre.

"It is important that we retain both skills and individuals within the Borough, and so we will continue to offer support and advice to others who find themselves out of work.

"Call into Employment Links on Drake Street in Rochdale and our advisors will help you with everything from job searching to brushing up your CV and finding out about training opportunities."