The closure of the Sappi paper factory cost hundreds of employees their jobs. But there is light at the end of the tunnel, because 126 people are already working in various sectors. “And 70 percent stayed in Limburg.”
Thursday, February 29, 2024 at 6:56 PM
More than 600 Sappi employees lost their jobs due to the closure of the company, and 420 were dismissed since January. To support them, the VDAB, Sappi, ACV, ABVV, Randstad RiseSmart, the municipality of Lanaken and Indufed have set up an employment cell. Ex-employees can go there for guidance towards new work. 368 dismissed employees have already received intensive guidance. With success, because 34 percent are back to work, most of them with a permanent contract.
Limburg success story
The 126 people who have found a new job are spread across all kinds of sectors. “Several now work at companies such as Vandersanden, Profel, Plukon and Farm Frites,” says Sandra Moranduzzo of Randstad RiseSmart. “A few dozen were also able to go to Sappi Maastricht, but approximately 70 percent continued to work in Belgian Limburg.”
It is very striking that two former employees opted for a serious career change. Randstad RiseSmart helped them find the suitable training. “Someone chose to train as a nurse, and someone else will train to become a train driver,” says Moranduzzo.
Four more waves of dismissals will follow in the coming months, and these former Sappi employees can also contact the employment unit. “Initially we ensure that they can come to terms with the dismissal and that they follow the grieving process. When we’re done with that, we look at reorientation, learning new skills and much more. We work very practically with ex-employees: from drawing up a CV to coaching them in negotiating their wages. Once they have found a job, they will continue to receive guidance for a while. This way we can see whether they fit in well with their new employer. So they are definitely not alone.”
READ ALSO: Last working day for more than a hundred Sappi employees: “Maybe I will stand in front of the classroom now”
