MP praises Kennedy Scott for getting local people back to work for the second time this month
On Friday 30 January 2015 local MP Charlie Elphicke joined staff, customers and employers to celebrate local Work Programme provider Kennedy Scott’s 25th anniversary.
Elphicke praised the work of Kennedy Scott staff in Dover congratulating the company, which provides specialist training and support to help the long term unemployed, on their “25 year record of success." This follows Kennedy Scott's recent praise from MP Anne Milton after she visited their Guildford centre earlier that month.
He said: “Kennedy Scott staff demonstrate a remarkable commitment to those they work with every day and have one of the best Job Outcome rates in the country. This is a record to be proud of.
“Unemployment in Dover has fallen by 28% in the last year and there are now 811 fewer people claiming Job Seekers Allowance in this constituency than at the time of the last General Election.
“Falling unemployment is a reflection of the success of the Government’s long term economic plan and the hard work of local people and businesses who are creating growth and opportunity in our area."
Founder and Chief Executive of Kennedy Scott, Teresa Scott said:
“This is a rare opportunity to recognise our dedicated and passionate staff team in Dover, 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 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.”
Charlie Elphicke MP was given a tour of Kennedy Scott’s Queen’s Gardens based centre before joining the reception. He 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 presented a series of awards at the well-attended event.
Former ESA claimant Clive Dixon was given an award for Customer Achievement.
After three years unemployment Clive overcame his serious health problems and was supported to secure full time work as a driver with Regent Coaches.
On receiving the award Elvington resident Clive Dixon said: “I’d worked all my life so finding myself out of work felt rotten. I was just stuck in a very bad rut.
"Kennedy Scott helped me overcome my health problems, got me on email, taught me to use a computer and assisted with my applications. Being back in work feels fantastic.”
Elphicke said: “Clive’s success demonstrates that falling unemployment isn’t just a statistic. Behind the numbers there are many people like Clive who have demonstrated enormous commitment to getting a job and who have received help through the government’s Work Programme.”
Local recruitment firm CMS was presented with a Supportive Employer Award for their supportive and flexible relationship with Kennedy Scott and for their help placing over 100 customers.
Kennedy Scott Employment Consultant Natalie Jones was awarded a Staff Dedication award for her remarkable passion for helping customers overcome their individual barriers to work.