On behalf of everyone at the MassHire Bristol Workforce Board, we hope that everyone is staying safe during these uncertain times.
In the interest of keeping you informed as to what is happening in workforce development during the current crisis, we wanted to provide the following updates.
As advised by our oversight agency, the MassHire Department of Career Services, the MassHire Career Centers in Bristol are currently closed to the public. Similarly, Fall River Mayor Paul Coogan has closed Fall River Government Center, which houses the offices of the MassHire Bristol Workforce Board, to the public as well. However, at this point in time most members of staff are still present at these locations to expedite essential services for unemployed individuals (existing and new), job seekers and businesses affected by this crisis. Staff members are currently available to service our customers and answer any questions you may have. Please use (508) 730-5000 as the central number for all calls to Bristol’s MassHire Career Centers. In the case of the MassHire Bristol Workforce Board, please use (508) 675-1165. Of course, you can also email any Board staff you normally communicate with and we will endeavor to respond as quickly as possible.
We also wanted to note some of the steps being taken to address the most immediate issues facing us at this time:
1) Staff resources are being devoted to manning the phone lines so that the significant volume of calls being received each day are dealt with in a timely manner.
2) We have been reaching out to schools and training providers to determine their status and how they are providing services (i.e. online).
3) Staff members are contacting career center customers scheduled to come in over the next two weeks to cancel appointments and establish alternate service strategies.
4) Career Center management is planning for expanded capacity to deal with Unemployment Insurance customer assistance with potential expanded phone assistance established remotely.
5) Career Center and Board staff are dealing with local businesses regarding their challenges and options.
While this is by no means an exhaustive list of steps taken, it represents a snapshot of some of the activities that have been ramped up in the face of this crisis. It should be noted that things are changing rapidly and additional alterations may occur in the way we provide services. We will endeavor to keep everyone up to date as our communities are understandably concerned about issues around the delivery of employment services.
In the meantime, the following links provide COVID-19 guidance and directives and include useful information regarding resources available to businesses and employees. We would encourage you to visit each of these web pages:
An overview of services available through Labor and Workforce Development as well as policy changes due to the current crisis:
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-guidance-and-directives#businesses-&-employers-
Information on unemployment and COVID-19:
https://www.mass.gov/resource/information-on-unemployment-and-coronavirus-covid-19
COVID-19 Resources and Guidance for Businesses:
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-resources-and-guidance-for-businesses