Council matches residents with exciting job opportunities at top firms
Hackney residents who are looking for work were given the opportunity to meet with leading, internationally-renowned employers and recruiters yesterday (7 March) to discover how their talents could match exciting new roles.
Arsenal Football Club, the world-famous members’ club Soho House, and national recruitment agency Placing People Direct, were selected by the Council for their inclusive approach to employment and met face-to-face with 32 Hackney residents, 70% of whom have a disability.
The event took place at the Hackney Opportunity Hub in Hoxton - one of three in the borough - and also saw the Council’s job brokerage team meet with residents to discuss opportunities at the council, including in its supply chain and with partner organisations.
The Council’s Hackney Works Supported Employment programme has been running since 2018 and in that time has supported 264 people into work. This financial year alone, the Supported Employment programme has supported 31 people into work with autism, a mental health condition, long-term health condition (such as hearing impairment) or a learning disability - 16% of these Hackney residents have an adult social care package as well as a learning disability. According to the British Association of Supported Employment, the employment rate for people with a learning disability has fallen to 4.8% across the UK as of 2021-22.
There are few better ways of helping our residents find routes into work than providing the opportunity for them to sit face-to-face with top employers. It was fantastic to host such brilliant organisations during National Careers Week at the Hackney Opportunity Hub who share our values of creating a diverse workforce that is representative of our communities.
“I would encourage all local businesses to learn more about the huge benefits of a diverse workforce to prospective employees and recruiters alike.
One of the things I’ve been talking to people about this morning is our stewarding programme, which is for people over the age of 18. I’ve also signed up a few people for our Lavazza barista training which could lead to a job working within the Arsenal stadium on match days. Another opportunity which is aimed at 16 - 18 year olds is our Saturday jobs programme, which i’ve managed to sign a few people up for.
It’s essential for a football club like Arsenal to make sure we’re reaching everybody and that all of our opportunities are accessible and we’re approachable as a football club for everybody. I think being here today and being able to meet different people from different backgrounds and with different barriers to work, shows the importance of ensuring that we are accessible and we’re able to provide the support people need.