The Council’s employment and skills service, Greenwich Local Labour and Business (GLLaB), is celebrating after helping over 300 local people into work in the first year of the Restart Scheme jobs programme. The Restart Scheme aims to help long-term unemployed jobseekers, who have been out of work for at least nine months, to prepare for and secure good quality jobs in their local area.

Residents are offered comprehensive support to gain qualifications for jobs in emerging growth sectors, such as security, transport and logistics. They also benefit from tailored one-to-one advice and guidance, including help searching for jobs, writing CVs, interview techniques and improving their digital skills.

The Restart Scheme is part of the Department for Work and Pensions’ (DWP) Plan for Jobs, which launched in July 2021. The Council has been supporting health and employability specialists, Maximus, to deliver the scheme in Royal Greenwich and help residents.

Councillor Denise Hyland, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Economy, Business and Skills, said:

“As we recover from the devastating effects of the pandemic, and face increases in the cost of living, it’s crucial that we can provide the right kind of support to help our residents get back into quality jobs. We’re proud to have built a successful partnership with Maximus UK.

“Of course, the hard work doesn’t stop here. GLLaB has an impressive record of helping our residents achieve their goals, whatever their circumstances, and long may that continue. The team works with a wide variety of employers in and around the borough and we’re always keen to hear from new businesses who can offer exciting new opportunities for our residents.” 

Ola Barber, the first participant to join the scheme and secure a job, said:

“I couldn’t believe how far I had come in such a short space of time while on the Restart Scheme. The officer handling my case has been so supportive and fully engaged in providing me with all the assistance needed to secure my dream job in working for the Royal Borough of Greenwich. I have started as a Customer Service Adviser, and I hope to progress further in my career within the Council.

“I have had a wonderful experience with GLLaB. I can’t explain how amazing it has been to be put in front of employers in a very short time, thanks to the great CV that I built with my Employment Adviser. Thank you all for your amazing support.” Residents looking for help to get back into work can find out more at royalgreenwich.gov.uk/gllab

About GLLaB

GLLaB is the Royal Borough’s employment and skills service, set up to support Greenwich residents through a comprehensive range of back-to-work support programmes. It helps to prepare residents for work and enables them to access good quality jobs and training opportunities created through regeneration activity in the borough.

The government’s Plan for Jobs aims to help people back into work and develop the skills they need to thrive as the UK emerges from the pandemic. It focuses on giving families financial security and providing opportunities to grow and develop.

About Maximus in the UK

Maximus is a wholly owned subsidiary of Maximus, Inc., and delivers services that help more than 2 million people each year in the UK to move forward with their lives. Operating from more than 285 locations, Maximus is one of the largest providers of employment, health, and disability support programmes in the country. All of Maximus’ operations are delivered through four operational divisions; Assessments, Connect, Employability and Health.

Maximus employs over 5,000 specialists, including more than 1,000 employment advisors and 1,400 doctors, nurses, occupational therapists and other Healthcare Professionals. We are proud to be a Disability Confident Leader and Living Wage Employer. Learn more at maximusuk.co.uk