Merit Jobs and Recruitment Fair 2026

A dedicated Jobs Fair to support Merit employees affected by redundancy is taking place in Cramlington. The event provides an opportunity to connect directly with local employers, explore live job opportunities and receive advice and guidance from supporting partners.

Register Now

Rapid Response

The Rapid Response Service provides local support and helps workers by giving those facing redundancy access to the services of Jobcentre Plus and its partners. The support available through the Rapid Response Service coordinates services through DWP, Jobcentre Plus and National Careers services. In addition local partners are providing a package of support to those affected and all agencies are working together to coordinate support.
Download Jobcentre Plus support for employees factsheet: Rapid Response EMPLOYEE
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) have produced videos that have general information for staff affected by redundancy. They can be accessed at following link: Redundancy – Guidance and Support for Employees

 

Getting in touch

You can email Jobcentre Plus at rrs.enquiries@dwp.gov.uk.

Your Jobcentre Plus contact is Paul Manvell, call 03000794871 or email paul.manvell1@dwp.gov.uk

Employment advice and support

Access to a team of specially trained employment advisors, equipped with local knowledge and employer relationships, available to provide 1-2-1 support to help you:
• Understand what jobs are available and identify those right for you
• Prepare for and apply for roles, including help with CVs, applications and interviews
• Identify and access training, whether that is to retrain for a different career or just to boost your skills.
• Help with costs like travel to work expenses, including signposting you to other advice and guidance such as housing support.
• Providing on-site support if required

Additionally, we’re offering free, confidential one-to-one appointments for employment and financial wellbeing information, advice and guidance.

During these appointments, our employment support specialists will discuss your current circumstances to help us identify what support you would benefit from and start directing you to the help you need.

You’ll then have the opportunity to speak to organisations that can offer their support, including:

• National Careers Service

• Citizens Advice Northumberland

• Department for Work and Pensions

• Support officers from our Safe & Resilient Communities team

 

Can’t make it?

If you can’t make either of the dates and times above, we also offer a weekly service at Cramlington hub called Work Smart Live Well, where you can meet a range of different organisations each week.

At Work Smart Live Well, we help lots of people in many situations. Find out more or book an appointment here. Appointments are available every Tuesday, 9.30am – 1pm.

Financial advice and support

Access to a range of confidential services to help alleviate financial difficulties, including:
• A small amount of financial assistance to cover essential bills such as food, heating or electricity, clothing or baby supplies.
• Advice and guidance around managing your money, or help to find additional support in your local community.
• Assessing your eligibility for benefits and support to access
• Wellbeing advice to help you stay fit and well.

Support with your apprenticeship

If you have any questions or concerns about your apprenticeship, including meeting your learning goals please contact your provider.

Redundancy Support

DWP Rapid Response Service access via National Careers Service can offer quick, practical help during redundancy — including funding for Training, job-search support, CV and interview guidance. Support is available during your notice period and for up to 13 weeks after redundancy.

Download Jobcentre Plus support for employees factsheet:

Click here to see the factsheet Rapid Response EMPLOYEE

 

Training Interest and Personal Information Survey For Merit Employees

Please see below survey. Your responses will help us connect you with the most suitable support, including Rapid Response Funding and Careers Advice. Please answer all questions honestly. All information provided will remain confidential:

Click here for Training interest and personal information survey for Merit employees.

Thinking about starting your own business?

Support for new Northumberland businesses and residents looking to pursue a business idea is now available through the Northumberland Small Business Service. The supportive team will help you navigate your first year of trading through workshops and 1-2-1 support giving you the skills and confidence to create and build a successful business. To register for support please visit Northumberland Small Business Service Website or contact business@businessnorthumberland.co.uk

North Tyneside and Newcastle

If you are a resident of North Tyneside or Newcastle, please find their employment advice and support services contact details below:

Newcastle

https://workandthrivenewcastle.org.uk/
0191 277 4125
workandthrive@newcastle.gov.uk

North Tyneside

https://skillsnorthtyneside.org.uk/support/workingwell/
0191 643 2288
workingwell@northtyneside.gov.uk

TESTIMONIAL

We are excited to embark on the next phase of our growth journey, which will help us tap into new, expanding markets and industrial sectors. I’d like to extend our sincere thanks to Business Northumberland – the newly established business support service from Northumberland County Council in helping us achieve our goals.

Andrew Pearson

Managing Director of Clifton Engineering

NSBS was one of the first people I contacted for support with my new business venture. (they) highlighted all of the possible opportunities and he explained the options available in a way that was easy to understand. The process was straightforward and efficient and I received invaluable guidance on preparing a strong grant application. As a result, Claire at Aspin Aesthetics was awarded a start-up grant. This has really helped my growth and planning over the next six months. Northumberland Small Business Service, especially Chris, are easy to recommend with expert advice, training and funding opportunities.

Claire Turnbull

Aspin Aesthetics

I contacted (NSBS) at Business Northumberland when looking for help with my new business start-up. (They) advised me of not only the opportunities available within his department, but also signposted me to other funding that was available. The process was quick and easy, we were given advice for putting together a successful grant application and have since been approved for two start up grants which has transformed the launch and speed of development of Laughing Sisters. I would highly recommend getting in touch with Business Northumberland - there is nothing to lose and lots to gain from advice and training to funding.

Natalie Wood

Laughing Sisters

It is an absolute privilege to work in Northumberland, developing medicines to ultimately benefit patients as well as being part of of community where we can share our interest in science and innovation.

Stephen Byard

Principal Research Fellow of Quotient Sciences