There has been considerable debate about the new Greener Journeys scheme ordered by the Lincolnshire County Council.
It’s been set up to give those who have been jobless between three and six months free bus journeys on the CallConnect services.
I think it’s terrible that people are feeling negatively towards the council’s efforts to help get people into employment.
I personally think it’s a great idea.
One of the greatest barriers people face in their job search is finding a job locally.
Grantham unfortunately doesn’t have enough jobs for everyone – so people need to look further afield.
Many people have to work in different towns and cities in order to find employment, which is to be expected in this day and age.
While Grantham does have excellent transport links, such as regular trains to Nottingham and Peterborough and buses to Lincoln, it’s the cost of travel that puts most people off, and not being familiar with other areas that might be able to offer them employment.
I can imagine that the CallConnect service will allow people to explore their options more widely and attend interviews elsewhere in the county. This in turn could increase their chances of gaining employment – which can only be a good thing.
I hope that Councillior Linda Neal is right – and that 2013 will see our district as a great place to work, live and invest.
However, I can’t help but feel we are hearing too much talk and not seeing enough concrete evidence.
People can only be reassured through positive results. Plans mean nothing in this day and age.
We can only wait and see what 2013 holds for us all.