Remploy has been selected to deliver the Government's Flexible
New Deal (FND) employment programme to support long term unemployed
into work in Derbyshire.
The company will also be working with other providers as a
specialist FND sub-contractor in several parts of the country
providing support for long term unemployed people with disabilities
or health conditions.
Flexible New Deal, which launches as a national programme in
early October will establish a new, unified approach for all job
seekers whatever their age, skills or barriers to work.
It is aimed at people who have been out of work for more than a
year. Almost three-quarters of 7,500 candidates placed into jobs
last year by the organisation qualify as long term unemployed.
Tim Matthews, Remploy Chief Executive, said: "We are delighted
to be awarded the lead on this programme Derbyshire in recognition
of our long experience of supporting into work those who are
furthest from the labour market.
"We have shown that even during a recession we can find the
right person for the right job and because the people we support
into work are well-prepared, well-trained and job-ready, employers
don't have to go through long interview processes. With Remploy you
only need to do it once.
"We partner with some of Britain's biggest companies who tell us
that Remploy candidates remain in the job longer and have a better
attendance record."
Remploy will be opening a city centre recruitment branches in
Derby to deliver FND in Derbyshire.
The branch will provide specialist training and development
services to identify and improve job skills, CV writing and
interview techniques.
Over the five years of the contract, Remploy will support
93,000 Jobseeker's Allowance customers, who have been out of
work for more than 12 months.
Mr Matthews said the company would be seeking to forge new
partnerships with employers, local government and community groups
in the region.
Remploy has three factories in the region - at Chesterfield,
Derby and Sheffield - and will be utilising these as much as
possible to provide work experience and skills training for FND
customers.