The milestone comes as the Office for National Statistics (ONS) is expected to publish the latest figures on young people not in education, employment or training (NEET) this morning. Although Restart is not specifically aimed at young people, its success with the age group shows the value of tailored employment support in helping people back into work and preventing long-term detachment from the labour market.
In 2022, the REC partnered with Maximus, a leading provider of employment support services and delivery partner for the government’s Restart Scheme, which helps people who have been out of work for longer periods return to employment following the impact of the pandemic. The partnership has been highly successful, bringing together REC recruiters with candidates supported by Maximus at a time when employers faced widespread labour and skills shortages. It has enabled agencies to fill vacancies while creating valuable opportunities for job seekers to re-enter the workforce.
Shazia Ejaz, Director of Campaigns at the REC, said:
“This project puts recruiters right at the heart of successful solutions to lessen unemployment and shows how valuable they are as partners to government and business to propel more people back into work.
“With policymakers rightly focused on measures to tackle the UK’s youth worklessness, this is an example of a successful job sourcing project to connect jobseekers with recruiters looking to fill vacancies. Restart’s success comes from tailored support, skills development and expert guidance that helps people find and secure the right jobs. From CV writing to interview preparation, it gives participants the confidence and tools to build lasting careers. We are proud to have made more than 4,000 placements and look forward to our recruitment member businesses helping more people into work and supporting them to build rewarding careers.”
The success of programmes such as Restart also demonstrates the importance of maintaining flexible routes into employment.
Shazia Ejaz added:
“The government’s challenge is to create momentum in the labour market to incentivise hiring and create work opportunities that meet employer and worker needs. This is where the UK’s temporary labour market is proving so effective in making it easier for employers to hire and train young people and grow their businesses even if they are not in a position to hire for a permanent position. It is vital that the government maintains flexible pathways into work."
The Restart Scheme offers personalised employment support beyond the assistance available through Jobcentre Plus, helping people overcome barriers to work and secure lasting jobs. An evaluation published by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) in May 2024 found that participants achieved positive outcomes, including higher rates of sustained employment and improved life satisfaction.
While Maximus helps tens of thousands of Restart Scheme participants into employment every year, more than 4,000 of those placements have been made specifically through REC member recruitment businesses.
The partnership’s impact received international recognition in 2023 when the World Employment Confederation (WEC) awarded the REC its Leadership in Social Innovation prize for its work with Maximus on the Restart Scheme.
Gareth Parry, Managing Director at Maximus, said:
“Our innovative partnership with the REC has gone from strength to strength over recent years, opening doors for thousands of Restart Scheme participants. We are particularly proud of our work together helping young people on the scheme, combining our personalised support with the REC’s employer partnerships, to create opportunities, address recruitment needs and help participants start rewarding careers.”
