Employment and training

Committed to the principles of equal opportunities in employment, the Council's own recruitment and selection policy is based upon a platform of equality, legislative adherence and our corporate aim ‘to make the district great’.

We are working together with local educational facilities to provide training opportunities for students to improve their work experience, skills and competence.

The Personnel Unit is happy to try and provide general advice, although many enquiries may be better suited to Durham County Council or the Education and Learning website who have a comprehensive website with specific information in relation to adult learning and disabilities.

About this service

General advice

• Connexions , Phone: 080 800 13219,

  Connexions is a new service for all 13 to 19 year olds. It aims to help young people make the most of their potential, whatever their ability or background. They offer information and advice on a variety of issues that affect young people and have personal advisors who are professionally qualified to offer the best advice and support on employment and training opportunities.

  Connexions also work closely with local employers and offer a job placing service for 16 - 19 year olds. You'll find Connexions Personal Advisers in your school or college or you can visit the centre at the above address.

• Jobcentre Plus
• Learndirect - 0800 100 900
• Learning and Skills Council   

Employers within the District should be aware of the legislative requirements required of them, a number of legislative Acts are in place that require them to act not only responsibly but lawfully.

An excellent source of good practice and legislative advice is available from ACAS, an independent body that provides impartial advice to both employees and employers.

ACAS Website

08456 06 16 00
08457 47 47 47

Disability assistance

District of Easington is an Employment Service Disability Symbol user. In using the symbol we are building on our existing good practice, and in particular we are committed to the following when recruiting and employing disabled people;

• To interview all applicants with a disability who meet the minimum criteria for a job vacancy and consider them on their abilities
• To ensure there is a mechanism in place to discuss with disabled employees what we and they can do to make sure they can develop and use their abilities
• To make every effort when employees become disabled to make sure they stay in employment
• To take action to ensure that all employees develop the appropriate level of disability awareness needed to make our commitments work
• To regularly review our commitments and to plan ways to improve              

The information below gives you details on how to contact organisations that offer advice and support on employment and training issues for disabled people.

• Disability Employment and Training Services
• Mental Health Employment and Training Services
• General Employment and Training Organisations
• Help with Access to Work
• Caring and Employment
• Education for People with Special Needs
• Other useful contacts                  

• Disability Unit - Department for Work and Pensions
• Department of Health
• The Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities               

Mental Health Employment and Training Services 

• The Mental Health Foundation               

Useful contacts

Here is a brief list of sites you might find of interest:

• ACAS (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service), Tel: 08457 474747.  A free, confidential advice service to employers and employees
• Carers Information .  Click on Carers Profiles to find a list of links that may be of use to you.
• Department for Education and Skills - This is a government education site providing information on any area of learning for both young people and adults.
• the Department of Trade and Industry, Tel: 0870 150 2500.  Can supply information on a range of employment issues including flexible working and parental leave for both employee and employer.