Elphicke celebrates Kennedy Scott triple whammy
Dover MP Charlie Elphicke visited local welfare to work provider Kennedy Scott's Dover office today (12/6/2015) to join them in celebrating a triple whammy of achievements, including being awarded a national contract and their centre manager being nominated for a national award.
Kennedy Scott Dover continues to be a driving force in getting local people back into work, helping to contribute to the 33% fall in people who are unemployed in Dover during the last 12 months.
Furthermore, staff at Kennedy Scott Dover are congratulating centre manager Julie Eastwood, who has been named as a finalist for the ERSA Employability Awards 2015, in the Employability Learner of the Year category. Julie was nominated by Kennedy Scott for her consistent overachievement at work and dedication to personal development which has gone on to benefit job seekers in Dover, whilst battling leukemia. The winners will be announced on June 16th.
Nationally, Kennedy Scott is going from strength to strength having recently secured their first national contract. They will provide targeted help to unemployed disabled adults with very severe barriers to getting into employment, which they will be delivered in collaboration with YMCA across the country. Clients on the SES programme will benefit from circles of support, where Kennedy Scott caseworkers will co-ordinate a range of government services and offer high quality employability support, condition management advice and counselling. The DWP has estimated that this will help 1700 disabled people each year.
Alongside staff, customers and employers, Charlie Elphicke spoke of the significant achievements the company has made recently, in their 25th year of operation.
Charlie said: “Long term unemployment is continuing to fall in Dover, partly in thanks to companies such as Kennedy Scott. I was pleased to visit today, and was struck by their remarkable commitment to helping their customers get back into work. It is good to see this being recognised nationally with their award nominations. I will be keeping my fingers crossed for them and I wish them all the best in delivering their upcoming contract.”
Teresa Scott said: “I am delighted that Charlie has returned to visit our Dover centre. This year has been a very special year for us, with a new national contract, our 25th anniversary and our staff being nominated for national awards. It is great that Charlie has recognised these achievements, and I would like to thank him for giving up his time this morning.”
As well as taking part in the celebrations, Charlie was shown around the centre and introduced to current customers and local employer, Sandra Ford who is the regional manager for B & M Bargains. She said: “I have a great relationship with Kennedy Scott. The staff are phenomenal. They know their candidates well, and it is important that they suit us as much as we suit them.”
Stephen Martin, who has previously worked in logistics and was one of the customers that Charlie met with was Stephen, who has is being supported through job search, support and advice.
Stephen said: “It was great to meet the local MP, which was arranged by Kennedy Scott. I don’t like being unemployed, but Kennedy Scott is a valuable resource in assisting me to find work. They are helpful and very nice people.”