In the week that marks Poverty and Homelessness Action Week (26 January - 3 February), a record number of people who are homeless have started work with Birmingham employers as part of Business Action on Homelessness.

By recruiting people from this background, we increase the diversity of  our workforce

17 homeless, unemployed people in the Birmingham area have this week started a record number of work placements with local employers including Cadbury Trebor Basset, Carillion, Marks and Spencers, Royal Mail, Systems ADI Group Ltd and Wragge & Co.

They will be undertaking a variety of work experience ranging from electrical jobs and administration to sorting post, store keeping, retail work and maintenance operations.

Before starting the work placements, candidates were interviewed to ensure they actively want to work. They then attended `Ready for Work' pre-employment training to obtain work, life, CV and interview skills. Following the work placements, candidates will have support from job coaches - trained employee volunteers who help individuals find permanent work.

The scheme is popular with potential employers who are more likely to fill vacancies with people who have recent work experience, references and can demonstrate a `work ethic'.

Business Action on Homelessness, which is run by Business in the Community, aims to overcome the vicious cycle of `no job, no home'. Last year, 68% of people who completed work placements in Birmingham went on to get a job within a year of the programme.

 Mark Jones, Head of Manufacturing at Bournville's Cadbury Trebor Basset said "There is often a misconception amongst employers that people who are homeless have low skills, are unreliable and have other `big issues' that make them unemployable.

"Through offering work placements to homeless unemployed people we clearly see this is not the case. By recruiting people from this background, we increase the diversity of our workforce as well as making an impact on a major societal issue".

More Information

Employers or agencies working with homeless people in the West Midlands who want more information on Business Action on Homelessness should contact Nikki-Dee Smith on 0121 451 2227 or email Nikki-Dee Smith.