Partnering for diversity

We work with non-profit organisations and Government agencies to provide opportunities to those with the greatest barriers to employment.

In July 2007, we launched a national partnership with the UK Government agency Jobcentre Plus, which is now our largest provider of workers. In 2010, we hired 360 people through the partnership.

SkyBlue, our internal recruitment business, has a longstanding relationship with Jobcentre Plus dating back to 2004, which has resulted in over 5,000 people gaining employment. We have supported Government programmes to help the long-term unemployed gain work, for example, the Jobcentre Plus ‘Golden Hello’ scheme which ran successfully until the scheme was withdrawn.

SkyBlue has partnered with other organisations that help minority groups or those from socially deprived backgrounds into employment, including:

Remploy
ShawTrust
Connexions
Working Links
Leap
Seetec
Business Action on Homelessness (BAOH)
Career Transition Partnership.

In addition to employment, SkyBlue works with the above organisations and the Government to offer work experience placements. We support Government initiatives, such as the ‘Future Jobs Fund’ and ‘Backing Young Britain’, to provide greater opportunities for young people. Many of these work placements have resulted in permanent positions with SkyBlue or our clients.

SkyBlue holds the Recruitment and Employment Confederation’s Diversity Assurance Standard. In 2011, we will also work towards becoming a ‘Clear Assured’ responsible recruiter of disabled people.

Faheiza joins SkyBlue

Faheiza Akram left full-time education after achieving her A-Levels but the economic climate provided her, like many other school leavers, with very few employment opportunities.

After several visits to Jobcentre Plus, Faheiza enrolled onto the ‘Future Jobs Fund’, a Government initiative through which companies create job opportunities aimed at 18 to 24-year-olds. SkyBlue offered her a six-month work placement and she has become a vital team member.

“Faheiza is bright and willing, and her support with the administration in our busy office is second to none. This programme gives the younger generation work-based training and support, the vital stepping stone into sustainable employment. We are committed to diversity and making a difference to the local community.”

Greg Fearon,
Branch Manager, SkyBlue Birmingham

SkyBlue Backing Young Britain

Graham Shipp, 24 years old, was offered a two-week placement at SkyBlue through Jobcentre Plus, after months of unemployment.

Graham said, “With my administration background, it was a perfect opportunity to get back on the career ladder. The best news came after the placement when SkyBlue employed me on a fixed-term, full-time basis.”

“Graham’s story is a success. However, the number of young people unemployed is still soaring, which will have consequences on society in the future. That’s why we support Backing Young Britain – not only to recruit but to make a difference to the community in the long term.”

Mike Gill,
SkyBlue Recruitment Consultant