Shaw Trust launch project

that will open doors for people desperate to get back into work.


Business bosses have welcomed the launch of a powerful project that will open doors for people desperate to get back into work.

Shaw Trust’s Job Broking programme, which has already helped thousands of people nationwide, has now been extended and 18 new areas added.

Our existing Job Broking services reach 11,500 a year, and we expect to help another 45,000 people over the next two years, says Ian Charlesworth, Managing Director of Shaw Trust, which is the country’s largest provider of employment services for disabled people.

We are delighted to be extending our reach across the UK, where there is a clear need for our services and where we are confident we can make a big difference.
The initiative is aimed at people on Incapacity and related benefits, who are seeking to re-enter the job market. It was launched in answer to the government’s pledge to redress the imbalance that means that there are 3.68 million people of working age without employment due to poor health or disability, compared to 800,000 jobless non-disabled people.

Initial Job Broking test areas were so successful that the government has extended the pilot for the next two years. National charity Shaw Trust, which provides training and work opportunities for disabled and disadvantaged people, is the biggest Job Broking provider, delivering 33% of the UK-wide programme.

Business bosses have welcomed the move, which also provides workers in a shrinking labour market and offers a valuable service to employers by helping them to recruit from the whole of society.

The Institute of Directors Diversity Manager, Mohammed Hasan, said: The Shaw Trust Job Broker programme is an excellent example of how business and the voluntary sector can work in effective partnership.

It is imperative that people from all backgrounds are able to have access to opportunity, and business leadership must work to remove any obstacles they face. The Job Broker programme is an important and welcome initiative in this respect.

David Frost, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said: Diversity in the workplace means greater opportunities for innovation, productivity and community cohesion. Companies benefit from access to a deeper skills pool and there are many highly skilled disabled people who could benefit personally from the satisfaction offered by suitable employment.

Businesses must address Britain’s eight million disabled both as a source of labour and custom. We wish the Shaw Trust every success in its endeavours.
Shaw Trust has set up a freephone number 0800 085 1001 for potential employers and local people who want to access the Job Broking service.

We can offer financial support to help people preparing for work, including a 200 Job Start grant on starting work, explains the Trust’s MD Ian Charlesworth.
We can also offer advice on training, job search, benefits and tax credits. Basically we support clients every step of their way to a new life.