Clergy and others involved in churches in Worcestershire and Dudley will learn more about how the current difficult financial situation could affect their congregations at a workshop on redundancy, unemployment and debt next Wednesday.

The training course at Christ Church, Tolladine in Worcester, will aim to provide those attending with some knowledge so they can help those who might be threatened by unemployment, or facing financial difficulties, and to know who to direct them to when more expert help is needed.

Speakers will include Rex Delicate, former Group Personnel Manager, and HR consultant, Nancy Murray-Peters, former Jobcentre Plus manager. The morning will cover topics including the size of the recession and key industries, the redundancy process, loss of esteem, coping mentally, finance, repossession, ‘signing on’ and benefits, retraining and searching for work.

The workshop has been organised by Faith at Work in Worcestershire, a chaplaincy organisation involving all of the main Christian denominations, which regularly visits businesses and employers in the area to listen to any concerns staff may have and offer practical support where appropriate.

Team leader, the Rev Phillip Jones, said: “Many are predicting the worst economic downturn since the 1930s and therefore there are going to be some difficult times ahead for our church members and communities. We want to ensure that leaders of churches are equipped to be able to help those who are affected.”

The workshop will also include some time for discussion around the experiences of clergy to date and what the future might hold.