Merton Council is putting on a new series of events to help residents find well-paid and secure jobs, and to offer advice on how to ease the pressures of the cost of living.

The new Jobs and Cost of Living Events aim to connect residents with opportunities for work placements, training or employment schemes which will lead to residents finding their first job, getting back into work or changing careers. 

They will also bring together a wide range of charities, community organisations, council teams and wider partners to offer residents practical help and advice on how to reduce bills, access benefits and manage their money. This will include help on debt management, energy saving and finding the best deals to keep costs down. 

The first Jobs and Cost of Living Event will be held on Thursday 29 October from 10.30am–1.30pm at the New Horizon Centre in Pollards Hill. 

These events will be supported by Employ Merton – the council’s job brokerage service – which provides residents with paid placements, free training and guaranteed interviews. Employ Merton has already supported more than 500 people in Merton and has helped to place dozens of residents into new jobs. 

As well as the advice and practical support on offer, each household that attends will be eligible for a free £10 supermarket voucher, as long as they bring proof of Merton residency (such as a utility bill or Council Tax Bill). 

Councillor Ross Garrod, the Leader of Merton Council, said: “We promised to help residents into work and training, and our Jobs and Cost of Living events are here to do just that.  

“Since 2022, we have supported over 6,000 people with advice on lowering bills, managing household budgets and direct financial support.  

“We’re now improving these events to include opportunities for paid work placements, free training, guaranteed interviews and more. Because we know that work allows you to earn more, make your own choices, and build a good life for you and your family.   

“If you’re looking to find your first job, get back into work, or change career – come along to our first Jobs and Cost of Living Event at the New Horizon Centre in Pollards Hill on Thursday 29 October” 

Notes: 

This new series of events is an upgrade on the council’s previous Cost of Living Events. Since declaring a cost of living crisis in 2022, the council has held 24 events, which were attended by a total of more than 6,600 residents.