400 jobseekers helped into work

400 previously unemployed people have started work after enlisting the support of Reed in Partnership programme Work Routes.

Nearly 10,000 people in Cornwall were recorded as being unemployed in figures released in June 2017.

Work Routes has been helping some of these people to find and start jobs after it was launched in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly in November 2016.

Many of them have overcome significant barriers to employment, including long-term unemployment, issues with their health and parental responsibilities, and their stories provide inspiration for other jobseekers.

James Dennis [pictured], Camborne, 24, recently started working at Hayle’s new Home Bargains store, thanks to the support he received from Work Routes.

He said: “I have been unemployed for two and a half years, but I’ve taken good Work Routes courses to boost my personal skills and help me get past my barriers.”

“Now I am employed, I can look towards the future with a smile and be proud of what I have achieved.”

William Gates, Camborne, 51, also found work with the new Home Bargains store, having only worked a few short paid contracts since 2009 and finding himself in a rut with applying for jobs; despite regularly applying for roles online, he was not getting any interviews.

After several confidence building courses and intensive interview practice with the Work Routes team, William started work in October:

He said: “I enjoyed it and found the people very helpful, and they sorted everything out for me.”

“I loved the courses, especially the interview course and tips. Everybody has been helpful.”

Jade Rickard [pictured], 24, Falmouth had been unemployed since 2013. Jade has a learning disability which she felt was acting as a barrier to becoming employed. She was unsure of which jobs to apply for and was suffering from low confidence.

With the help of the Work Routes team, Jade’s confidence grew immensely and she was offered her first ever paid role.

Jade said: “I have enjoyed my time [on Work Routes]. It has helped a lot - it built my confidence and without the team I wouldn’t have passed the job interview.

“They helped a lot with the interview practice by preparing me for questions they might ask in the interview. The confidence course helped a lot, too.”

Steven Dew [pictured], 62, from St Agnes [pictured], had been out of work for 14 years before approaching the Work Routes team in Truro. Steven had significant confidence issues and felt that his age and length of time out of work made him unemployable, leaving him feeling very low.

The Work Routes team rallied around Steven to build his confidence and get him feeling positive about his prospects. With the team’s support, Steven secured paid employment as a cleaner for Mitie at Treliske Hospital in Truro.

He said: “The Truro team has been a great help. The one-to-one support has given me clear direction and the training has been related to my needs, enabling me to train and grow.

“The positive atmosphere and support has been amazing.”

“Work Routes has enabled me to have more financial freedom now that I have a sustainable job.”

ESF funded Work Routes offers Cornish people completely free, one-to-one employment support - including free in-house skills training; job searching; interview practice financial assistance with child care and travel; and support in dealing with other potential barriers such as housing or lone parenthood.

As well as a one-to-one Employment Adviser, ESF Work Routes offers participants an in-house Skills Trainer and a Health and Wellbeing Adviser to help them address employment barriers such as mental and physical health issues, diet, mindset and a lack of skills.The programme is set to support almost than 6,000. jobseekers in Cornwall over a three year period.

The service is delivered throughout Cornwall by Reed in Partnership, with offices in Falmouth, Redruth, St. Austell, and Truro; as well as a range of local partner organisations covering Bodmin, Bude, Saltash and Redruth.

If you are over 16 and currently unemployed, visit workroutes.co.uk for more information.

Work Routes is delivered in partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions and funded the European Social Fund.