£5m aid to help public sector redundancies in Wales
A £5m programme has been unveiled by the Welsh Assembly Government to help public sector workers facing redundancy.
The Adapt scheme gives training, advice and guidance to employers and staff through a freephone contact centre.
It will offer help for individuals and organisations.
Business and Budget Minister Jane Hutt spoke of the challenge of the recession and "the most difficult financial settlement since devolution".
"But we must remember that while there is much talk about numbers, whether budgets or workforce numbers, that those people working on the frontline are individuals with concerns and Adapt will be able to help them," she added.
"These are people with skills and experience that we must try our best to help to ensure that they continue to play their part in Wales' economic recovery."
Individuals calling the helpline will be directed to an adviser who will make an appointment for a guidance interview at their local Careers Wales office.
This will cover a range of needs including training, benefits eligibility and the redundancy process.
Public sector employers that face having to make job cuts will be provided with help from Careers Wales, senior human resources advisers, trade union representatives and Jobcentre officials.
Adapt is seen as an extension of previous schemes which helped private sector workers during the recession.
The Adapt number is 0800 100900.