Ambitious rescue package for 100 retrenched workers in the SW announced

22/7/99
An ambitious rescue package to provide training and alternative jobs for more than 100 retrenched workers in the South-West was announced today by Employment and Training Minister Graham Kierath.
Mr Kierath said the plan to help workers soon to be retrenched from the Simplot potato processing plant at Manjimup was an excellent example of co-operation between the private and public sectors.
"The announcement early this month that the plant would close at the end of August created an urgent need for a quick response on both humanitarian and economic grounds," Mr Kierath said.
"I am delighted to say that a contingency plan - to provide those people affected with a range of practical alternative training and employment options - is well underway."
Mr Kierath said the rescue package, being co-ordinated by the Department of Training, would benefit the 112 Simplot personnel about to be retrenched, including 54 full-time staff members.
The package includes an injection of almost $25,000 from the Department of Training for initiatives under its Career Restart program.
The Career Start component, which will be managed by Jobs South West, the region's Joblink agency, includes:

• a co-ordinator, based at the Simplot plant, to provide case management services to the retrenched workers. This service will include identification of skills, job search assistance and referral to appropriate agencies and service providers; and -
• individual counselling support and lifeskills courses.

Mr Kierath said that at the same time, the South-West Development Commission, Department of Commerce and Trade and Simplot, would fund research to identify alternative markets for the potato growers.
"A Regional Assistance Program submission will be developed by the South- West Area Consultative Committee to provide additional assistance to growers and employees," he said.
"The company will also provide some of the administrative support for the various initiatives and will contract a human resource agency to provide redeployment services to salaried staff.
"Centrelink will also be a key player in the exercise, providing information sessions on financial services and allowances available to support retrenched workers."
Media contact: Steve Manchee (08) 9213 6400