Visiting Goole public library as I do regularly, sitting at the work tables, I couldn’t help but notice the first member of the public I have seen use the “Opportunity Goole” facilities that have been put in the library.
The gentleman was being interviewed by a member of the Opportunity Goole team about finding work in Goole.
This gentleman was definitely not from Europe. However, he apparently has an EU Masters in Robotics. The member of staff directed him to the Job Centre on North St, and gave other advice.
The member of the Opportunity Goole team was helpful, polite, supportive - there was nothing wrong with their professionalism.
It does raise some questions though.
Firstly, the total lack of privacy for people expected to discuss personal information with members of the public around who cannot help but hear what is being said. Along with the Council Customer Services desk close by, it is very disruptive to genuine library users.
Secondly, Opportunity Goole is paid for out of Town Deal funds, which are meant to benefit the Town Centre. It seems to employ several staff. How many of them live in Goole? While it might benefit local employers helping them find new staff, how exactly is the money being used out of the Town Deal Fund actually benefitting the Town Centre?
Thirdly, bearing in mind the Town Deal Fund is an initiative of the Johnson, Truss and Sunak Governments, who have had a great deal to say about “Levelling Up” and “taking back control of our borders” while accusing anyone expressing support for human rights, and concern about potentially divisive and prejudiced narratives, how is giving advice to somebody who is not from Europe, but has an EU Masters in Robotics find work helping Goole citizens, and regenerating the town centre?
I have nothing against the gentleman being interviewed himself. There are serious questions about how Town Deal money meant to be for the benefit of the town centre is being spent though. Also, it seems hypocritical to say the least that a Government that has made a lot of statements about protecting the interests of British people, has overseen the arrival of very large numbers of people from outside the EU into the UK, a significant portion of whom seem to have been encouraged to settle in Goole, presumably so employers can pay lower wages, using Town Deal money to facilitate it all. Is that why so many HMOs are approved in the town?
How does all this benefit the town centre and local residents?