GEORGE NEWS - The Worker's Collection Point (WCP) will re-open to the public after the Easter weekend. The WCP offers a safe space for unemployed persons and local residents or businesses looking for a general or specific skilled worker to connect.
Acting Director of Planning and Development Delia Power said all safety protocols are in place in compliance to the Covid-19 regulations.
"The department has developed strict measures of control which will apply to all workers and members of the public that visit the premises and make use of the facilities provided," said Powers.
A total of 40 persons, including staff, will be permitted on the premises. Unemployed persons will be treated on a first come, first served basis and everyone must report to the attendant at the entrance for screening before being permitted to enter the premises.
A high standard of hygiene will be maintained at all times and no physical contact of any type will be allowed. Social distancing of 1,5m must be maintained at all times. The WCP premises will be disinfected bi-weekly.
Men on the side of the road (now referred to as the Worker's Collection Point) originally started as an NGO in Cape Town with a branch in George. The aim is to assist unemployed job seekers to get temporary or full-time employment by placing them in a programme where they are registered free of charge.
The NGO closed its operations in George in 2013, and as the facility was located on municipal property, the Local Economic Development office of the George Municipality took over.
This resulted in the appointment of a project coordinator and administration clerk, and the programme has since gained extensive public support.
How does it work?
George Municipality is not involved in negotiating daily rates and all payments take place directly between the private parties. The project was initially set up to improve the safety situation around intersections where unemployed persons wait to be picked up for a job.
It further allows unemployed persons to build a reference list over time, thus improving their chances of securing full-time work.
Finally the facility reduces risk to businesses through verifying skills and being able to recommend reliable, productive workers. The Worker's Collection Point remains a constant hub for work seekers, contractors and the general public.
Contractors and the general public that pick up unemployed persons off the streets must be aware of the risks it holds, including the risks it presents to traffic safety, pedestrian mobility and hygienic reasons.
In front of the training facility on the premises of Worker’s Collection Point (WCP) are from left, Ayanda Magala, Leon Koopman, Nkosiyabo Seyisi, Sizwe Alfred Maatiwa, Zolile Bennet Madikane, Gofi Michael Gcememe, Kadefuna Gami, workers on the database of the WCP and Amy Kearns, administration officer at the WCP.A new system has been implemented since March 2019, which entails that workers that report to the WCP to register, or who are already registered, receive a card containing all their relevant details. Most of these workers do not carry their ID with them as it gets lost or stolen, but it is a requirement at most of the building sites in George.
They cannot sign in without this card. The reason for this is to keep a record of who had been signed out for a day and where they worked. The feedback from contractors is also kept for record purposes as a reference for the worker. The database also elaborates on the training and development needs of the registered workers.
Contractors or anyone interested in the project may contact the office on 044 801 9173 for more information, or visit the premises in Industrial Road next to Coca-Cola and opposite Brandmania (the former Tekkie Town factory shop).
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