Restart Scheme launches to support unemployed jobseekers

Reed in Partnership today begins providing the Department for Work and Pension’s Restart Scheme to jobseekers in the North East & Humber and Home Counties.

The Restart Scheme gives Universal Credit claimants who have been out of work for at least 12 months enhanced support to find jobs in their local area.

The service forms part of the government’s Plan for Jobs, which is helping millions of people across the country – many of whom have had their employment status impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Personal employment support

Following referral from their local Jobcentre Plus, participants receive 12 months of intensive personal support from the Restart Scheme. This support helps them to break down their barriers to work and secure sustained employment.

Participants meet with an expert Employment Adviser who develops an understanding of their employment history, skills, aspirations and support needs. Together, they develop a plan to help the participant start working.

Support provided by the Restart Scheme reflects the wide range of individual challenges jobseekers face in today’s labour market.

This can include needing to develop their skills, achieve a qualification, improve their health and wellbeing, write a job-specific CV and practice for an interview.

Reed in Partnership will provide all jobseekers with 24/7 online support through our Online Career Centre and run Employment Hubs in our offices where Local Recruitment Consultants help participants apply for vacancies that have been specially sourced through our extensive links with local employers.

Support with the cost of applying for work is also covered, with funding available for travel, interview clothes and other costs incurred.

Our extensive network of community services will play a role in providing support with additional identified barriers to work, such as help with housing issues and mental health needs.

Working in partnership

We are providing the Restart Scheme in conjunction with our local delivery partners.

In the North East & Humber these are Northern Right, Northumberland County Council, PeoplePlus, Standguide, Sunderland North Community Business Centre and Triage.

In the Home Counties, our delivery is provided in partnership with PeoplePlus, Realise Futures, Seetec Pluss and The Forward Trust.

Reed in Partnership is also providing the Restart Scheme as a subcontractor to prime providers in Derbyshire, Cornwall, South London and the West Midlands.

In total, nearly 350,000 jobseekers will be supported by our involvement in the Restart Scheme.

Changing lives for the better

Commenting on the launch of the service Rhodri Thomas, Managing Director of Reed in Partnership, said:

“The launch of the Restart Scheme for jobseekers today will provide new and timely support for those who need help to start working.

“The Covid-19 pandemic has caused disruption and employment difficulties for so many people. The Restart Scheme is an important service for helping people to overcome the difficulties of the last 18 months and build a better future for themselves and their families.

“We have worked closely with the Department for Work and Pensions and our delivery partners to develop a service that responds to the needs of jobseekers – whatever their individual circumstances may be.

“Starting today, we will help thousands of people to change their lives for the better through new and sustainable work.”

You can find out more about Reed in Partnership’s delivery of the Restart Scheme by visiting reedrestart.co.uk