Local employability provider, Ingeus, celebrated the official opening of its Restart Scheme centre in Hackney on 10th May 2022. Funded by the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP), the Restart Scheme supports local residents on Universal Credit and income based Jobseekers Allowance to overcome employment barriers and find lasting work.

Over 150 people attended the event, including representatives from the DWP, Jobcentre Plus, local authorities and other local partners including charities and specialist services. The open day showcased the Restart Scheme’s employability programme which is part of the Government’s Plan for Jobs agenda, to revive the economy.

The Ingeus team highlighted the variety of one-to-one support and services available, including exclusive vacancies with local employers, assistance in applying for jobs and training, and advice on housing, childcare, benefits and managing personal finances. There was also a demonstration of iWorks – Ingeus’ innovative careers portal, showcasing its CV screening tool, interview practice application and library of over 900 free online training courses.

There was also a ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the opening of Ingeus’ Restart Scheme centre in Hackney.

Anish Pillai, Senior Employer Engagement Officer at Hackney Council said:” Working in collaboration with Ingeus has been transformative for our local residents, offering a joined approach when it comes to employment and skills needs in the borough, has enabled opportunities to be circulated widely so residents have more equal access to them.”

Abdullah Claim, Senior Performance Manager for the Department for Work and Pensions, said: “I was delighted to be able to attend the launch event for the Restart Scheme in Central London. It was great to meet more of the Ingeus team and find out about the fantastic work they are doing to help local residents find lasting work, especially seeing the power of partnerships between providers, employers and local charitable organisations in making a positive difference to people’s lives.”

Caroline Banks, Ingeus’ Operations Director for the Restart Scheme in Central and West London added: “It was fantastic to see so many people attend our official launch event in West London. Our mission it to enable better lives and we strive to do this by helping as many local residents get back into work as possible.”