Advice centre for teenagers in Northampton to close with the loss of 50 jobs
A TEENAGE advice centre in Northampton’s main shopping street is due to close its doors following the announcement of major cutbacks.
The Connexions centre in Abington Street opened in 2005 on the site of the well-known Spinadisc record shop, which closed down after almost 30 years.
But following a Government announcement of cutbacks this year, Northamptonshire County Council has announced £1.3 million will have to be taken out of the budget for the Connexions service across the county.
The decision means a loss of about 50 jobs and the closure of the Connexions drop-in centres across Northamptonshire.
The deputy leader of the county council, Councillor Joan Kirkbride (Con, Bugbrooke) said: “Unfortunately, like many other services, the Government has announced reductions in funding which directly affects services provided by Connexions.
“And unfortunately, high street shops are just not a viable option any more.”
Changes in the way the Connexions service is operated in the county will see 36 “choice advisors” moved from the current high street shops into schools to give pupils careers advice.
Councillor Kirkbride said: “We want to work more in schools and colleges, putting advisors in there rather than having shops, which are costly.
“We think it’s more important to have people who can give advice rather than pay for the expensive high street premises we’ve got.” Connexions currently employs about 100 people across Northamptonshire.
It is believed staff who will face losing their jobs will be informed next month.
As well as careers advice, the organisation also gives youngsters advice on topics including health and relationships, housing, money, benefits, travel and transport.
News of the proposed cuts to the service was first reported by the Chron at the beginning of August. Members of Northamptonshire County Council’s cabinet will make a final decision on the future of the Connexions service during a meeting at County Hall in Northampton from 2pm on Tuesday, September 14.
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