Devon County Council Updates

Produced every day these are lengthy screeds, mainly repeating what they have told us already, but you may want to check in every so often. Type in Devon County Council and follow the links. Here are today’s main points:

Devon needs you: get a job in health and social care

Devon County Council are encouraging job seekers, students back from university, college leavers and former care and health staff to help support the county’s most vulnerable.

The coronavirus outbreak (COVID-19) means there’s an even greater demand for Healthcare Assistants in residential homes, people’s own homes and hospitals in Devon so temporary and permanent workers are needed to fill a variety of shift work.

You don’t necessarily need qualifications or previous work experience. What’s important are your values and attitude towards working with people who need care, and your ability to cope in challenging environments.

Find out more, including how to register, on the Proud To Care website.

Avoid Loan Sharks

People worrying about money or struggling financially due to the ongoing situation with coronavirus (COVID-19) are being urged to avoid loan sharks.

Loan sharks are unregulated, often give cash loans without any paperwork and charge extortionate interest rates, which can be difficult to repay. Victims believe the loan shark is offering them a service, but their behaviour can quickly change if repayments are not met.

If you are concerned about your financial situation and need support, Citizens Advice has some useful information on their website.

The Government has published helpful advice if you are self-employed, claiming benefits or needing to make a claim for benefits and statutory sick pay. You can also find more details about statutory sick pay and about making a new claim for universal credit online.

Scams have increased during the coronavirus outbreak – up by 400% – so please be aware and be careful if you are asked to give out personal or financial information.