Ready for Work - For Business
Ready for Work launched in 2001 and it was one of only a few programmes working directly with companies to provide employability training and support to homeless people. Ten years on the programme, with voluntary and business sector support, has helped over 2,000 homeless people to gain and sustain employment nationally.
Ready for Work was born out of the Business Action on Homelessness Campaign (BAOH). BAOH was launched in December 1998 with the aim of encouraging businesses to provide support and expertise to homeless agencies. The aim is to break the vicious cycle of no job, no home, no job by equipping homeless people and those at risk of homelessness with the skills to gain and sustain employment.
London's Ready for Work programme has helped 35% of its clients enter into sustainable employment, with a further 20% going into education, further training or becoming volunteers.
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Working closely with local homelessness organisations, the programme identifies people who are 'ready for work' but perhaps lack confidence or have been out of the workplace for a long time. Our clients are actively seeking work or progressing towards work readiness and demonstrate the motivation to complete a two-week work placement. Placements take place in a variety of partner organisations, including Barclays, Carillion, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer and Marks and Spencer.
The Homeless Problem
- Research conducted between 1 October and 30 November 2010 suggested that 1,768 people sleep rough in any one night, with a large proportion (415) being in London. (Crisis 2011)
- 3673 people slept rough at some point in London during 2009/10. (Crisis 2011)
- 85% of those who have experienced homelessness have previously been employed for a prolonged peiod. (Crisis 2008)
- 23% of homeless people have GCSE's, 7% a degree and 6% a professional qualification. (Crisis 2008)
What we do
In the past two years
- 20 companies supported their local community by offering Ready for Work placements.
- Between January 2011 and January 2012 we have helped 124 people secure placements.
- 91 company job coaches supported our clients.
- 54 homeless agencies referred people to Ready for Work.
What can you do to help?
- Become a Job Coach
- Host a Ready to Go Day and Action Day
- Host a Placement
- Host a Client Support Network
Business Benefits
It makes good business sense to support homeless people back into work.
Supporting homeless people back into work helps businesses find talent where they least expect it. It also helps businesses develop the talents of their existing workforce through a range of volunteering opportunities. Companies supporting Ready for Work report increased staff loyalty and enhanced reputation as a result of being involved in this worthwhile programme.
By supporting the programme your company will benefit from:
- Personal and professional development for your staff.
- Improved staff loyalty.
- Cost-effective recruitment for your vacancies.
- Increased staff diversity.
- Enhanced reputation.
If you are interested in learning about wider engagement please contact Darren Coulby on 020 7566 8692
