The first episode in a new Yorkshire Calendar series presented by Marylyn Webb and Richard Madeley on the issues facing the rising numbers of unemployed in the region with practical advice given with regards the claiming of benefits, looking for work and potential opportunities in training and self-employment. Title: Yorkshire Television Colour Production Calendar At Your Service No work, no hope? Credit: with Marylyn Webb and Richard Madeley Across the studio from each other Marylyn and...

The first episode in a new Yorkshire Calendar series presented by Marylyn Webb and Richard Madeley on the issues facing the rising numbers of unemployed in the region with practical advice given with regards the claiming of benefits, looking for work and potential opportunities in training and self-employment. Title: Yorkshire Television Colour Production Calendar At Your Service No work, no hope? Credit: with Marylyn Webb and Richard Madeley Across the studio from each other Marylyn and Richard both introduce this new ten-week series and provide details on this first edition on the issue of unemployment. Following Richards talking about the two million currently unemployed in the country statistics are provided on the increase in the number of those out of work within Yorkshire and Humberside both within the last month (3764) and in the past year (34,835). A vox pops with two men Bob Young, a redundant paint-sprayer, and Tony Kelly a redundant textile worker who talk about their feelings of shock, bewilderment and fear having lost their jobs. Returning to the studio Marylyn explains that for many this is a new experience, and they don’t know where to go for help or know what monies they are entitled to and how to claim them. Richard follows up with details on what someone who has recently become unemployed should do first, register their details with both their local Job Centre and Unemployment Benefit Office. Statistics are provided on what benefits could be receive depending on personal circumstances with the maximum being for a married man with two children being £51.02. Details and statistics are then given with regards potential Supplementary Benefit’s for those who have not paid enough National Insurance contributions. Sitting beside Marylyn is Joe Kenyon the Founder of Claimants’ and Unemployed Workers’ Union, the first such union in Barnsley, who provides information with regards the importance of both registering for unemployment benefits and being available for work. He explains why it is important that this be done on the first day and provides details on what leaflets to ask for and how his organisation could help claimants. Following an introduction by Richard a filmed report on Bradford housewife Mrs Patricia Wood who arrives home with her youngest of three children Michael in a buggy. In the back garden with Michael asleep in her arms she speaks with Marylyn about the challenges she faces surviving on £56.70 a week. Issues of rising energy bills, clothing for her children and food are discussed as well as how the challenges of living on a low income are affecting her family. Back in the studio Joe Kenyon explains to Marylyn that Patrician maybe entitled to extra benefits and allowances. He goes on to explain that there are many benefits that people are clearly entitled to, but if they don’t ask for them then they are never told. He also talks about future changes to the benefit system which will mean exceptional payments will become more difficult to claim. Returning to Richard he provides details on how someone out of work can find work through their local Job Centre. Sitting next to him is Philip Wolf, Director of Manpower Services Commission Yorkshire and Humberside who provides details on what help a Job Centres can offer and what happens when someone walks through the doors for the first time. He is then asked with increased competition for jobs, what can unemployed people do to make themselves more competitive. Mr Wolf concedes that those unemployed who were in skilled high-paying jobs may have to accept taking a job that pays a lower wage. Richard moves onto talk about re-training and details are provided on the governments Training Opportunities Programme (TOPS). Over a montage at one of the regions six Skill Centres men being re-trained in the construction industry with Richard providing details what these centres provide and what additional benefits those attending may receive. Sitting with Marylyn is Clifford Newton who five years previous was made redundant as an Engineers but following a re-training course via TOPS has become the proprietor of Hadley Gentleman’s Hairdressings Salon in Skegness. Clifford speaks with Marylyn about the challenges he faced being unemployed and the work he did to transform himself into a successful businessman. Sitting next to Clifford is Alex Cox from the National Federation of the Self-Employed who doesn’t believe it is a challenge for someone to set out and start their own business. He believes currently there are more opportunities for the unemployed to set up in their own businesses than there are jobs and talks about the amount of help that is available. Retuning to Clifford he explains that for those who are confident and determined to have a go then there are unlimited opportunities. Returning to Richard he provides details with regards a special scheme for the long-term unemployed entitled Special Temporary Employment Programme (STEP). At Lotherton Hall near Leeds Marylyn speaks with Steven Brown who is working with others on a STEP project to build a deer park in the grounds. He talks about his issues with depression being long-term unemployed, how this affected his family and how STEP has given him renewed self-confidence in being able to find a permanent job. Back in the studio Richard speaks again with Philip Wolf about what benefits people like Steven get from being in STEP and where they should go next with regards potentially moving to other parts of the country were employment is higher. Marylyn hopes the programme has in some way eased the burden of unemployment. Richard then provides contact details on organisation who may be able to assist as well as practical information on booklets or pamphlets relating to benefits someone should look out for. The programme ends with Marylyn provided details on next week’s programme on the special problems facing school leavers hunting for jobs. Title: Calendar At Your Service Credit: was presented by Marylyn Webb, Richard Madeley Production Team Petrina Rance, Nick Lord Film Editor Gordon Hopps Director Tony Scull Producer David Lowen Editor Graham Ironside Title: Next Tuesday Calendar At Your Service…. Leaving School End title: Yorkshire Television Colour Production. © Trident Television Ltd. 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