Press Release

Communities reached by working links programme

More than 200 people have already benefited from a new Working Links programme that aims to help some of the most disadvantaged communities in Glasgow.

The organisation, which was awarded the contract for the innovative scheme three months ago, has today announced that it is already well on its way to meeting its annual goal.

Funded by Jobcentre Plus, the programme aims to help people who are out of work and need help getting back into the workplace. Working Links will be working in partnership with local organisations to support hundreds of individuals into long-term work: Groups such as EMEC, Apex, Simon Community, GCVS, Equal Access, SPS, Glasgow Criminal Justice System and the Shaw Trust.

Working Links specialises in changing communities by addressing the issues facing unemployed people. This contract will enable them to focus on individuals that face particular challenges such as those who have, or have experienced in the past, problems with alcohol, offending or homelessness. 80% of homeless people have worked in the past.

Over the coming months Working Links will work within the community and provide a range of support. Its role goes beyond employment issues as it provides the assistance needed that in the long-term will create education opportunities, reduce crime and boost the wealth of the community.
 
Omar Ul-Haq of Working Links said: “Over the coming months our team will be working in partnership with organisations in the community to tackle the problems that face people living in deprived areas. 1 in 4 men under the age of 21 have a criminal record and it is great that we can give some of these guys a second chance.
“We will provide support to help individuals overcome their particular barriers. Barriers such as a lack of skills, childcare problems, debt and health issues that prevent them from working and maintaining their independence.”
The contract aims to reach at least 800 individuals across Glasgow and support them as they move into long-term employment.

In the past Working Links has helped many. People like Jacqueline, who last worked 17 years ago in Glasgow’s east end. She was forced to leave her job when she became addicted to heroin and turned to prostitution to finance her addiction.

When she decided to turn her life around, she enrolled on a methadone programme. She was then referred to Working Links where she was given the support she needed to change her life.

She was given help as she applied for jobs, gained interview skills training and was given assistance to build her confidence. Her consultant even went along with her to interviews to provide added support. Her life has been completed transformed. She is no longer on drugs and is now in work. She is also studying at college and faces a much brighter future.

Working Links, which has already helped more than 15,000 people across Scotland into work since its launch in the year 2000, offers employment solutions with a difference. Across the projects that Working Links run, 70% of their clients are still in work 12 months after they are found a job.

Each jobseeker is treated as an individual and support packages developed for each person. They are able to gain the advice of their own personal consultant, who provides help to find the job that they want. Consultants guide them through job searches and application forms and provide practical support by helping them with CVs, training and work experience.

• For more information about Working Links call freephone 0800 917 9262 or visit www.workinglinks.co.uk.

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