Marks and Start changes
lives
Marks & Spencer's flagship community
programme, Marks & Start has become the biggest programme of
its kind in the UK and Ireland, aiming to offer up to 10,000 work
experience placements to people who may face barriers getting a
job.
Research shows that since launching in February
2004, Marks & Start has offered work experience to over
2,500 unemployed people, working with The Prince's
Trust and other charity partners, and that 30% of them have secured
permanent employment either at Marks & Spencer stores or with
other employers. Ninety per cent said the short
work placements have changed their lives and given them the
confidence to get back into work.
Research into barriers
Successful Support in Returning to Work, research
conducted in April 2005 by Robertson Cooper Limited for Marks &
Spencer, focussed on some of the barriers faced by unemployed
people and how the scheme has helped overcome them. For
example:
- 81% of homeless, disabled or young unemployed said an
increase in self-esteem and feeling accepted are
the best benefits of employments above improved skills or financial
rewards.
- One young person, who went from a Prince's Trust programme into
work at Marks & Spencer via the scheme, said "When I
started, I instantly felt I was part of the team."
- 75% of those now in permanent employment said that they've been
able to do things that would not have been possible before,
including stabilising their lives by opening bank accounts through
improved credit histories, securing permanent accommodation and
buying birthday or Christmas presents for their families.
About Marks & Start
Marks & Spencer's flagship community programme,
Marks & Start has become the biggest programme
of its kind in the UK and Ireland, aiming to offer up to 10,000
work experience placements to people who may face barriers getting
a job.
Over the course of three years, practical placements in Marks &
Spencer stores and offices are being offered to school children,
including those from deprived areas, people with disabilities,
parents returning to work, the young unemployed, the homeless and
students who are the first in their family to go to
university.
The 'young unemployed' strand is being fulfilled through The
Prince's Trust Team programme, a 12-week personal development
course, with Marks & Start providing placements for 100 young
people over 12 months.
Find out
more
To learn more about the Marks
& Start programme, contact Christine Hughes by email or
on 0161 874 7384, or visit the
Marks and Start website