A INITIATIVE to encourage young mothers back into work has been deemed a success. Social Security minister Diane Lewis spoke at length last month about the need to help mothers overcome their apprehensions of returning to work by making the opportunities as accessible as possible.

Situations Recruitment took the initiative by arranging an informal drop-in clinic at The Square restaurant in Market Square.

Several mothers came along, some with pushchairs, to learn what employment opportunities could be available to them around their commitments as parents.

Director Melissa Campbell said there had been a rush of mothers all morning.

She said some felt their only option was finance and full-time work, but there were so many different opportunities.

‘With full employment in the island, employers are crying out for people with skills and experience and just because you have been out of work for some time does not mean you will not be of value,’ she said.

‘If you have basic core skills in customer service or administration you never lose them. With minimal training you could be right back up to speed.’

As for work/life balance, she said many employers would be flexible to fit around parents’ commitments.

‘With so many vacancies, companies are having to be more flexible. If you have what they are looking for, they will try and fit around you.’

Mrs Campbell gave the example that those with more experience might be able to complete a full-time role in five or six hours a day for the same pay.

‘I know some trust companies with mothers working 20 hours a week.

‘A couple of years ago that would not have been possible,’ she said.

‘With the sex discrimination law coming into effect last year, part-timers get the same benefits, which is another incentive.’

Mrs Campbell said the drop-in was an informal way for mothers to learn what was out there. ‘Making the first step is often the most daunting so we wanted to make it as easy as possible. Mothers could just pop in for a chat with no commitment.’

She said the door of the office was always open for similar calls.

‘We would encourage anyone who is thinking about going back to work to come in for a chat for some free and informal advice. It is not a job interview environment but a lot more relaxed and we can be flexible and accommodating to meet people’s needs.’