MP praises Kennedy Scott for getting local people back to work
On Friday 9 January 2015 local MP Anne Milton and the Lord Mayor of Guildford Cllr. David Elms joined staff, customers and local employers to celebrate local Work Programme provider Kennedy Scott’s 25th anniversary.
Milton praised the work of Kennedy Scott staff in Guildford congratulating the company, which provides specialist training and support to help the long term unemployed, on their “25 year record of success."
She said: “I would like to congratulate Kennedy Scott for the work they have done in getting local people back into work.
“The number of people unemployed in Guildford continues to fall to what is now one of the lowest rates in the country.
“People who are out of work need dedicated and supportive staff to help them get back into a job and it is great to have a chance to meet the staff at Kennedy Scott and see their commitment to their work.
“Losing a job is devastating but professional help at an early stage can make all the difference to restarting work.”
Founder and Chief Executive of Kennedy Scott, Teresa Scott said:
“This is a rare opportunity to recognise our dedicated and passionate staff team in Guildford, as well as our many customer success stories.
"Many of our customers face significant challenges as they seek to get back to work - some have serious health problems, others are long term unemployed or have spent time in prison. They need the kind of individualised holistic support Kennedy Scott can offer.
"Getting a job takes perseverance and courage and we are very proud of every person we have helped to turn their lives around.”
Anne Milton MP and the Lord Mayor were given a tour of Kennedy Scott’s Woodbridge Road based centre before joining the reception. They met with current customers as they looked for work and spoke with former customers who had been helped into jobs through the Work Programme.
The MP and Lord Mayor presented a series of awards at the packed event.
Anne Milton MP gave Park Barn resident Teresa Knapp an award for Customer Achievement. Teresa was a single mum of two and had struggled for a year and a half to get back into work. While on the Work Programme she impressed Kennedy Scott staff so much that they decided to hire her as an Apprentice Administrator with the company.
On receiving the award Teresa Knapp said: "Being unemployed when I wanted to work was a truly depressing experience and I hated every minute of it.
"Kennedy Scott helped rebuild my confidence and show the potential in me.”
Local hardware store The Range was presented with a Supportive Employer Award for their long-term supportive and flexible relationship with Kennedy Scott and after the company recently hired five customers.
Kennedy Scott Employment Consultant Barbara Penney was awarded a Staff Dedication Award for her remarkable commitment to helping customers overcome their individual barriers to work.
Teresa Knapp is mentioned by local radio station 'Eagle Radio' during their news round-up - http://www.964eagle.co.uk/news/video-news/1501242/watch-news-round-up-for-surrey-and-hampshire---14th-january-2015/