Over 5,000 people across the South West have moved into work with the help of Seetec Pluss and the governments Restart Scheme
In July 2021 Seetec Pluss were awarded the 4-year contract by the Department for Works and Pensions (DWP) across Devon, Cornwall, Dorset, Somerset, Bristol, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, and the Isles of Scilly to help combat the effects of Covid-19 the government launched the Restart Scheme to support thousands of people to find work across South-West England.
One year on, Seetec Pluss and our expert, local delivery partners have assisted over 5,000 residents into meaningful, sustainable work.
The scheme has been supporting people who have been out of work for at least 9 months to build their confidence, skills and find work. Participants of the scheme can receive up to 12 months support with a dedicated Employment Advisor who provides one-to-one support with job search activity, CV writing, interview techniques, support to overcome barriers including travel or childcare, as well as assisting to increase skills and self-confidence.
Recognising that looking for work is not always easy, Seetec Pluss also works with a range of specialist partnersto help people enhance their health and wellbeing, access financial, housing and digital support, and overcome any other barriers that might be stopping them from achieving their career goals.
Chris Harrison, Executive Director of Employability and Health at Seetec, said: “The Restart Scheme was launched to help communities to rebuild security and recover from the effects of Covid-19. The last year has been a real challenge for many individuals, their families and communities across the UK and we are pleased that we have been able to help thousands of people in the South West to move into employment and economic security.
“We would not be able to support so many people back into work without our amazing teams in Seetec and expert delivery partners, the strength of our partnerships with DWP and key local stakeholders, including Jobcentre Plus, and the support of our thousands of employer partners across the region, who are helping local people back into work and strengthening the local economy.”
One participant from Plymouth, Crystal Jones said: “I joined the Restart Scheme in September at my local Seetec Pluss office in Plymouth. It was a difficult time for me, as I was not only trying to find work during the pandemic, but I was also transitioning and was dealing with the prejudice that unfortunately so many transgender individuals face. The team at Plymouth were so helpful and gave me the confidence to believe in my abilities and helped me with my applications and interviews. I am delighted to be working full time, financially secure and now being promoted to a chef!”
Crystal’s employer Hubbox added: “Working with Seetec Pluss has made the recruitment process so much easier for us. We have been so pleased with Crystal, when we first meet her for the part time position as Kitchen Porter, we could see her potential and offered her a full time position straight away! As a local restaurant we are passionate about offering equal employment opportunities to everyone in our community.”
As well as delivering the Restart Scheme to individuals in South-West England, Seetec Pluss are also a sub-contractor supporting the Restart Scheme in London, the Home Counties, Central England and the North-West.