Insight: Five years, thousands of stories

Five years ago, the Department for Work and Pensions launched the Restart Scheme to provide intensive, personalised employment support to people facing long-term unemployment and other barriers to work.

Since then, Reed in Partnership has supported thousands of people into sustainable employment through our delivery of the service.

To mark this anniversary, Nick Morgan, Deputy Operations Director, reflects on some of these stories:

Reed in Partnership delivers sector-leading, high-performance support for jobseekers using the Restart Scheme, helping thousands of people change their lives for the better through a new work opportunity. This delivery forms a key part of our company’s mission to transform people and their communities.

The Restart Scheme has become one of the largest employability programmes in England and Wales, with more than one million people referred since 2021, demonstrating both the scale of the challenge and the importance of effective, personalised employment support. It is delivered across 12 geographic regions in England and Wales. We are proud to be responsible for the first (North East & Humberside) and third (Home Counties) best-performing regions, when assessing job outcomes achieved over the lifetime of the service, according to the latest DWP statistics.

Over the past five years, we have helped over 54,000 jobseekers across our delivery regions to find new employment. Some have entered work for the first time in years, some for the first time ever. Many have overcome barriers that once seemed insurmountable, supported by our expert Employment Advisers who believed in their potential and helped them navigate every stage of their journey.

Independent evidence also points to the value of the Restart Scheme. Research conducted by the Learning and Work Institute highlighted the importance of strong relationships with Employment Advisers, personalised support and integrated community partnerships. The National Audit Office has estimated that the Restart Scheme provides £2.44 of social benefit for every £1 spent.

To mark five years of delivery, we are reflecting on these 54,000 success stories. No two journeys are the same. The Restart Scheme has shown that high-quality employment support can help people overcome a broad range of barriers when seeking work.

There has been a steady uptick in the UK unemployment rate as the job market has cooled since late 2022. The current government has set an ambition to achieve an 80% national employment rate, placing further importance on effective, large-scale employability support that can provide the right support, to the right people, at the right time.

Restarting after 20 years out of work

Long-term unemployment is one of the biggest barriers to work faced by people on the Restart Scheme. Whatever the reason may have been, getting access to support to overcome the challenges of no recent work experience, uncertainty about the jobs market and a lack of confidence can make a significant difference to people’s prospects of working.

Tzewan used the Restart Scheme after spending more than 20 years out of work while raising her family.

She said: “When I joined the Restart Scheme, I lacked confidence and felt negative about my job search. My Employment Adviser, Jamie, encouraged me and helped me build skills through courses in interview techniques, self-confidence, customer service and digital skills.

“Jamie also helped cover the cost of replacing my driving licence and passport, ensuring I had the ID needed for employment. He completed a Better Off Calculation with me, showing that I could be £150 per week better off in work, which really boosted my confidence. Jamie also helped me apply for Universal Credit so that my rent would be paid directly to my landlord, which was a major worry off my shoulders.

“I’m now about to start a role at a local care home. I couldn’t have done this without Jamie’s support and guidance.”

Building confidence at the start of working life

The UK is experiencing a youth unemployment crisis. Too many young people are being left behind because of structural issues with support, a shortage of entry-level jobs and a disconnect between education and economic shifts.

We have developed dedicated pathways of support for Restart Scheme participants aged 18 to 24 to help address the specific circumstances of being young and out of work, shaped by feedback from young people, employers and community partners.

At 20, Jack had been searching for the right opportunity for over a year when he was referred to the Restart Scheme by his Jobcentre Plus Work Coach.

Employment Adviser Jamie said: “From our first appointment, Jack admitted to feeling nervous because of his age and inexperience, but began to realise he was in a safe, supportive space where his personal and professional growth genuinely mattered.”

Jamie used Restart Scheme funding to purchase interview clothing for Jack, helping him feel more confident and present himself professionally. The Scheme also covered travel costs to support his transition from benefits into paid work.

Jack said: “I now work in a full-time administrator role that I really enjoy. The Restart Scheme has given me the confidence to grow and progress. I’d recommend it to anyone facing similar challenges as a young person.”

Homelessness to hope

The Restart Scheme can also support people facing serious personal circumstances that affect their ability to move into work, including addiction, criminal convictions or homelessness.

When Arthur joined the Restart Scheme, he was homeless and struggling with his mental wellbeing. Identifying his living arrangements as a priority issue, Employment Adviser Susanna arranged emergency accommodation and referred him to Shelter, helping him secure a permanent home.

Susanna said: “Once Arthur’s housing situation was stable, we focused on building his confidence and helping him become job-ready.”

Arthur attended all appointments and workshops, including CV writing, job applications and interview preparation. The Restart Scheme also funded a security training course, enabling Arthur to gain his SIA badge. Nine months later, he secured employment.

Arthur said: “The support I received really improved my confidence. I’d recommend the Restart Scheme to anyone.”

Care to career

Unpaid carers can face challenges when returning to work after extended periods outside the labour market.

Georgina joined the Restart Scheme after 10 years of caring responsibilities. Having recently moved to the area, she wanted to improve her financial situation, independence and confidence.

With support from Employment Adviser Luke, she created a CV that highlighted the transferable skills she had gained through caring. She also attended workshops and job clubs to build confidence and prepare for work.

The Restart Scheme provided financial support for interview travel and work clothing. After her third interview, Georgina secured a role in a care home.

Luke said: “We also arranged a DBS check to avoid delays to her start date. Georgina’s journey demonstrates real resilience and commitment.”

Road to recovery

Unexpected life events can force people out of stable careers, creating uncertainty about their future.

After years running his own kitchen, Andy suffered a breakdown and heart attack brought on by work and personal pressures. During his recovery, he was referred to the Restart Scheme.

Employment Adviser Shantelle said: “Andy’s confidence was low and rebuilding his self-belief was our first priority.”

Andy attended courses on self-confidence, transferable skills and resilience, while also receiving support from the Wellbeing for Work team to deal with his health issues.

Shantelle said: “We then explored employment options and created a CV that showcased Andy’s skills and experience. Although one job offer fell through, Andy stayed positive and focused.”

His perseverance paid off when he secured a role as a line cook. He has since rediscovered his passion for food and rebuilt confidence in both his work and personal life.

Shantelle added: “The stability of work has helped Andy rebuild confidence, strengthen personal relationships and regain joy in everyday life.”

We are proud of the difference our teams have made to the lives of Tzewan, Jack, Arthur, Georgina and Andy – and to thousands more people supported through the Restart Scheme over the past five years. To read more of our inspiring participant stories visit reedrestart.co.uk.