Our business thrives on variety. We don’t cover recruitment for just one industry, one location or for one level of employee. We do it all. That’s why we have been absolutely dead-set on making sure that we contributed to the re-employment of people who, for no fault of their own, have found themselves out of work.

There is always going to be a minority of people across the country who are out of work. The last couple of years has seen this number rocket as businesses impacted by Covid-19 have had to make cuts to their staff, go out of business, downsize or shift the location of their business. This sad reality has placed a number of highly capable people on the side-lines and looking for work.

We want to take this pot of incredibly talented people and get them into work with our clients across the UK, which is why we are excited to announce our partnership with the Restart Scheme which will see us find opportunities for people retraining and upskilling, having found themselves out of work.

The government’s Plan for Jobs is helping millions of people across the country who have been directly impacted by coronavirus (COVID-19). We know that those who have been out of work for longer periods might need extra help to move back into employment.

First referrals to the Restart Scheme were in July 2021 with an initial focus on those who had been on Universal Credit in the Intensive Worksearch Regime for between 12 and 18 months. From January 2022, the focus is being expanded to provide an increased opportunity for more claimants to benefit from Restart. Universal Credit claimants will be considered for Restart after 9 months and with no upper limit. The Restart Scheme will break down employment barriers that could be holding claimants back from finding work. Providers will work with employers, local government and other partners to deliver tailored support for individuals.

Referrals will be made over a 3-year period from June 2021 and the Restart Scheme will benefit Universal Credit claimants who are expected to look for and be available for work but have no sustained employed earnings. The Scheme will provide up to 12 months of tailored support for each participant. Early access can be considered on a case by case basis where conversations with a work coach suggest this is the most appropriate route for the individual.

Commissioned by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), the Restart Scheme will be delivered across England and Wales in 12 different Contract Package Areas (CPA). The providers and their delivery partners, including specialist charities and small and medium-sized enterprises, will complement the vital work of Jobcentre Plus with extra expertise, investment, innovation and additional capacity for tailored support.

Making the Most Out of the Restart Scheme as a Jobseeker

As a jobseeker, there are multiple retraining opportunities you can access when looking to start a new career and can
help with basic skills such as CV writing and interview preparation. If you have been out of work more than a year, the
Restart Scheme will build upon existing support already offered by jobcentre work coaches.

Having a good relationship with your work coach will be vital to making the most of the Restart Scheme. Ask for their
advice, use their knowledge and experience with approaching employers and make use of opportunities they will
provide to retrain and build upon your skillset.

Continued financial support is also available for Jobseekers. For example, you can apply for Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) , if you have a disability or health condition that affects how much you can work. You can also apply for Universal Credit or Jobseekers Allowance to support you whilst you look for work.