People whose jobs and income have been affected by coronavirus are being offered help from the West of England Combined Authority through its career coaching and support service, Future Bright.

Tim Bowles, West of England Mayor
West of England Mayor, Tim Bowles said: “I am determined that our residents get all the support they can through the current emergency.
“I know people across the region are facing real challenges with changes to their employment and incomes, so I have expanded our Future Bright programme to make sure people can get the advice and support they need in these unprecedented times.
“This means residents affected by the pandemic now have a dedicated careers coach, free coaching and training to help them understand all the options available to them and make informed choices.”
Future Bright is available to people aged 19 or over living in Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol or South Gloucestershire.
The expanded service can now help:
- Those who have been made redundant, laid off or are at risk of redundancy, as a result of the coronavirus pandemic;
- Employees whose hours have been significantly reduced, and who therefore have a lower income (e.g. zero hours, cut from full to part time);
- Self-employed workers, where their ability to earn has been severely impacted due to the nature of their business;
- Furloughed employees, if their reduced income means they are eligible for Universal Credit.
To find out more and sign up, visit Future Bright here, or contact the local team at Bath & North East Somerset Council via [email protected] or call 01225 395555.
Future Bright is managed by the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) and delivered locally by Bath & North East Somerset, Bristol and South Gloucestershire councils.