B&M gives long-term unemployed cause to celebrate
B&M gave 23 long-term unemployed people in Essex a cause to celebrate last month when it opened the doors to its new Clacton store.
Working with local employment specialist Ingeus, the retailer recruited general assistants, warehouse staff, supervisors and managers, as well as newly appointed replenishment manager Matthew Battram.
The 38 year-old from Clacton was unemployed for 18 months following the closure of the small jewellery business he owned and managed for ten years.
He explained: “I applied for hundreds of jobs but it wasn’t until I was referred to Ingeus that things began to happen. Ingeus helped me with my CV and interview technique and put me forward for vacancies I wouldn’t have known about otherwise.
Never Miss a Retail Update!“Since joining B&M I’ve gained my fork lift licence and built some great relationships with my new colleagues as we’ve all pitched in to get the store ready for opening. I can’t wait to start my working life again and make my mum proud.”
B&M is one of many employers partnering with Ingeus on a national level as it looks to recruit work-ready, motivated staff for vacancies at its 380 stores.
The retailer’s interim store manager Tracy Shippam said: “We held interviews at the Ingeus branch in Clacton which was very convenient while we were preparing for the store to open. The calibre of applicants was very high and we’ve recruited a talented and hard-working team. Ingeus is an excellent resource for employers that need well briefed applicants who are ready and willing to start work immediately.”
Ingeus delivers the government’s Work Programme across the East of England and provides a fee-free recruitment service to employers as well as support and advice to jobseekers.
John Morley, Director of Employer Services at Ingeus will be speaking on the topic of ‘Attracting and retaining top talent – valuing your employees’ at the Retail Bulletin’s 6th Retail HR Summit, 8th October 2014. For full details and registration, click here.
