Date: 25 March 2008
Unemployed jobseekers in south London can get
their careers on the right track, thanks to a new training and
employment programme run by Essential People - the skills and
development arm of employment specialist Working Links.
The company has developed a training programme
especially for unemployed people who would like to work in customer
service and hospitality at London’s mainline railway stations.
Working with SSP UK - the company that manages
many of the bars and restaurants at London’s mainline stations -
Essential People has put together a programme that will give
jobseekers all of the skills needed for the positions available,
with the offer of a guaranteed interview at the end of the
course.
The programme covers everything from key
employability skills such as problem solving, communication and
customer service to assistance with completing application forms
and advice on interview techniques. Jobs are available in a wide
range of outlets, including M&S Simply Foods, Deli France,
Upper Crust, Millie’s Cookies, Café Ritazza, Camden Foods Co,
Threshers, Reef, Ixxy Bagels, and The Pasty Shop.
Siobhan Scantlebury, from Essential People,
said: “We’ve developed this training specifically with these jobs
in mind, to make it as easy as possible for anyone who’s been out
of work for a while, and who perhaps feel that they don’t have
up-to-date skills or experience, to make the move back into
employment.
“Applicants need three months customer service
experience, a friendly attitude and a willingness to work flexible
hours. As well as good rates of pay, flexible hours and great
career development prospects. Anyone working for SSP can also
qualify for free meals while on duty, industry discounts, 24 days
holiday, a free uniform and entry into an annual draw to win a
holiday or car."
Anyone who is currently unemployed and who is
interested in any of the jobs available or for our pre-employment
training for National Car Parks (NCP) should call Working Links on
020 7939 7881 and ask for an Essential People adviser.
Ends
For further information please contact:
Charlotte Jackson, Regional Business Partner
Tel: 07966 801 165 or email: charlotte.jackson@workinglinks.co.uk
Or Nicola Doughty, Press Officer
Tel: 07792 445512 or email: nicola.doughty@workinglinks.co.uk
Notes to editors
- Essential People is the skills and
development division of employment specialist, Working Links, and
began delivering the Skills for Jobs programme on behalf of the
Learning and Skills Council in February 2008.
- SSP UK operates over 610 retail and catering
outlets including restaurants, pubs, bars and coffee shops at 22
airports and 115 rail stations throughout the UK and Ireland.
- SSP is the leading operator of food and
beverage services in travel locations and leisure locations
worldwide. SSP has over 60 years’ experience of serving the
travelling customer, through a portfolio of international, national
and tailor-made brands. SSP currently operates in 29
countries.
- Working Links was founded in 2000 and
operates in almost 100 locations across England, Scotland and
Wales, including 10 locations in the London. It is a unique
organisation that delivers services to tackle social exclusion and
poverty by helping disadvantaged individuals and communities.
- The organisation’s belief that employment is
the best route out of poverty has helped more than 95,000 people
back into the workplace, nationally, and more than 24,000 people in
London.
- It is a public-private-voluntary partnership
between the Government’s Shareholder Executive, Manpower, Capgemini
and Mission Australia. It delivers effective solutions by working
in partnership with organisations including the Learning and Skills
Council, Jobcentre Plus, Probation Service, One Parent Families and
Daycare Trust.
- Profit is not Working Links’ driving force.
Its shareholders endorse its social purpose and are interested in
how Working Links can create long term value, investing in the
quality of services and the communities where it
operates.
- Working Links helps and supports people who
face significant challenges and barriers such as those who have
been unemployed for a long time to former offenders, lone parents
and older workers. It also works with employers and the prison and
probation services to help prisoners in over 20 institutions.
- By helping the most vulnerable in society to
improve their skills and help them move into jobs with a future,
Working Links can create a greater sense of social inclusion. This
leads to better health, education, reduced crime and brighter
futures.