Homeless people looking for work boosted their job prospects and met with local businesses at an employment fair at Quorum Business Park last Thursday
15 local employers took part in the event, including recruitment agencies and leading organisations from construction, catering and hospitality industries (see notes). Throughout the day they were showcasing opportunities, meeting with potential applicants and learning more about how Crisis helps people escape homelessness through employment.
Jon Sparkes, chief executive of Crisis, said: “Being out of work is both a major cause and consequence of homelessness. 97% of homeless people want to work, but they need the right support. They cannot be rushed, forced or sanctioned into employment.
“Homelessness is a devastating experience that shatters the confidence and self-esteem. Alongside our year-round job coaching services, Employment Fortnight is a great way for people to build the skills and confidence they need to find employment. It is also an opportunity for businesses to meet high calibre candidates and learn how Crisis helps people on their journey out of homelessness.”
Fergus Trim, Development Director at Quorum in Newcastle said: “It was very positive to welcome the employer event to Quorum. We are seeing more and more new jobs being created in the North East, especially here at Quorum. It is important to be upskilling and bringing more people into the workforce, to enable these opportunities to be taken up across the local community.”
Crisis’ year-round employment services offer training and one-to-one coaching to ensure homeless people are ready for work. The specialist teams also work closely with businesses to understand their needs and match them to suitable candidates.
Last year the charity helped more than 550 people find paid roles across a range of different employment sectors, including catering, hospitality, construction, social care and retail. In addition, we helped people secure 2852 qualifications, modules or certificates and helped 594 people progress onto further education or training.