Henderson Group employability intervention a great success

Working closely with Business in the Community, the Henderson Group has just completed its fifth phase of its work placement programme – ‘Roots to Wings’ and is delighted to announce the appointment of more people who have secured jobs.

'Roots & Wings’, an employer-led initiative, is targeted at the workless or long-term unemployed, with the aim of getting them back into full or part-time employment.

Phase Five has just finished and two candidates have successfully achieved full-time employment with the Henderson Group, with all others having upgraded their skills.

Overall, 44% of clients who have completed the programme are now in sustainable employment ; 33% directly with Hendersons.

Nigel Gray, Henderson Retail Director comments: “We are thrilled with the outcome of this partnership. As a large employer in Northern Ireland, we are keen to support initiatives like ‘Roots & Wings’, which provides a vital service in equipping individuals with the skills and knowledge that appeal to future employers. Of the individuals that took part, we were highly impressed with their enthusiasm and dedication. By offering them an employment within our retail stores, we can keep working closely with them to further hone their skills. It’s initiatives like Roots & Wings, which help build stronger communities.” 

The programme has three key stakeholders: Business in the Community, Henderson Group and the Local Employment Intermediary Service (LEMIS) providers operating in Belfast and funded by the Department of Employment & Learning.  The programme involves a full day induction, focussing on aspects such as customer service skills and health & safety, followed by two weeks of work placement at a Henderson Retail outlet.

Business in the Community’s Employers’ Forum Director, Deirdre Timoney adds: “Getting individuals into employment when times are good can be a challenge. In the midst of difficult economic circumstances, the challenge is all the harder. Innovative employers such as Hendersons are to be commended for providing leadership and commitment with this employability initiative. Business in the Community hopes that other businesses will be inspired by Henderson’s fine example."

Membership of Business in the Community is a commitment to action and to the continual improvement of the company’s impact on society. Henderson’s has been a long-standing member and is particularly supportive of the Business in the Community ‘employability’ campaign. This campaign seeks to help disadvantaged individuals/groups find sustained employment by engaging businesses to provide pre-employment training, work placements and employment opportunities, which improve motivation and confidence and reduce perceived barriers to gaining work.

For more information on the Employers’ Forum, please e-mail deirdre.timoney@bitcni.org.uk or call (028) 9046 0606.

For more information on Business in the Community, visit our website www.bitcni.org.uk