News release
2018-03-13
Partnership is helping residents share in merseyflow success
More and more Halton residents are finding jobs at merseyflow, one of borough’s newest employers, following the success of a local employment scheme.
Mersey Gateway Bridge toll/charge operator merseyflow now employs 180 people, with 95% of its employees living in Halton.
Some have been able to secure jobs with merseyflow as a pathway back into employment following a period out of work.
Merseyflow is working closely with Halton Borough Council and is a member of its Halton Enterprise Partnership (HEP).
Through the partnership’s Ways to Work programme, merseyflow offers people a chance to get back into the workforce and the HEP team provides them with interview skills and advice on preparing and submitting a CV.
They also complete a six-week customer service course and are provided with maths, English and computer skills.
Merseyflow has hired more than 50 people who have completed the course.
Beatriz Fuentes, HR manager at merseyflow parent company emovis, says this has helped bring in an enthusiastic and friendly workforce from the area.
“It’s the early stages of the project and we still have a long way to go to implement everything we want for our team members but already we’re seeing lots of success stories,” she said.
“Since we started we have recruited 180 employees, some from other areas of the workforce and some from long-term unemployment. More than 95% of our employees live in the Halton area which means merseyflow is helping contribute to the local economy too.
“This means we’re providing people with help for that vital first step back into work.”
Michelle Dalton, 49, from Runcorn, started work at the merseyflow call centre last year and has now moved into its fleet services team.
She says she has a varied role which is what attracted her to the job. The six-week Ways to Work course gave her the confidence to start the new role.
“The course provided guidance on preparing my CV and also allowed me to refresh my interview skills. It made a big difference,” she said.
“Since I started with merseyflow I have really grown in confidence. On a personal level it’s been really good for me.
“I work with a really diverse group of people who range in age from 18 to 65. We all get a buzz from each other. In terms of a place to work it’s fun and I really enjoy it.”
Laurie Hamblett, 51, from Runcorn, works as a call centre handler at merseyflow’s Runcorn contact centre, dealing with incoming calls from customers paying for their trips across the bridge.
She said: “There’s a great sense of team work in the call centre. You can speak to any manager if you have any issue and they’ll always help you.
“The best thing about the company is the strong team spirit and work ethic. It’s one of the best companies I’ve worked for in terms of them being there to help you.
“If you’re considering applying for a job with merseyflow, go for it.”
Ms Fuentes said: “If you would like to work at merseyflow keep an eye on the vacancies page of the website. We’re always on the look-out for talented people to join our team.”
Alison Bowen, from Halton Council’s Employment, Learning and Skills Division, said the council had worked in partnership with merseyflow to design and deliver learning programmes for local residents.
“Participants in the HEP programme have developed skills to place them in the best possible position to apply for vacancies and to be successful in securing employment with Emovis,” she said.
“Individuals have been provided with information, advice and guidance through a range of programmes to further support them into their new jobs.”
The Halton Employment Partnership (HEP) is a Halton Borough Council led strategic partnership that supports inward investors and local businesses.
Merseyflow operates the tolling system and gantry on the new bridge and, once it’s refurbished, will operate tolls/charges on the neighbouring Silver Jubilee Bridge.
The company offers employees a diverse work environment and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and a range of benefits to staff.
For a full list of vacancies visit www.merseyflow.co.uk/vacancies or email: recruitment@merseyflow.co.uk