Elizabeth Taylor, CEO of ERSA

The platform was launched yesterday by Employment Related Services Association (ERSA), the industry body representing employment support and training organisations across the UK.

Called ASK SETH, which stands for Skills, Employment, Training and Help, the new platform is the only free, single source, digital platform for jobseekers that does not require sign up or membership.

The anonymised data generated by jobseekers using the platform will give ERSA valuable insight into emerging employment and training trends and provide an additional source of data for Government departments such as the Department for Work and Pensions, the Department for Education and the Ministry of Justice.

A key feature of ASK SETH is bite-sized video clips with advice from employment, skills and training experts. There is a directory of organisations and agencies that offer hyper-local advice and support.

Resources and support are available for all types of jobseeker - older people who may never have been out of work before, homeless people, ex-offenders, those experiencing mental health issues, people with physical disabilities, migrant jobseekers, carers and those looking for their first job.

Elizabeth Taylor, CEO of ERSA, said: “The unique selling point of ASK SETH is that it is the UK’s only ‘go-to’ destination to access all you’d need to know for finding employment. Its functions are simple to manage for those less used to accessing this kind of information, and the videos enable jobseekers to gather the information and advice they need to make a successful step into employment.

“It is especially targeted to those who have little or no experience of unemployment with easy links and clear guidance on what many employability organisations offer. We are immensely proud of the format and see it as a game-changer for unemployed people in these challenging times.”

Developed as a platform to provide mental health and wellbeing support, Frog Systems has adapted the technology for the employment support sector. The powerful database underpinning the technology is regularly updated to ensure clients receive accurate insight on which to base their decision-making.

Phil Worms, CEO of Frog Systems, added: “We have worked in partnership with ERSA to develop a platform that connects jobseekers with local employment support and helps frontline advisors, Jobcentre Plus work coaches and employers to understand who is working with jobseekers in their area. This positions ASK SETH as a new and valuable resource for people who are looking for work and those trying to help them.”