Scheme is helping Leeds people get back into work

‘Work Routes’ offers people free, one-to-one employment support including interview practice and financial assistance with child care and travel.

The scheme is delivered by public service provider Reed in Partnership, who specialise in helping people into employment.

Katie Roo, 32, from Leeds, was congratulated at the event for being the new programme’s first participant to secure employment, after being without a job for more than six years.

A single mum to six-year-old Ella, Katie had struggled to find work that fitted around her daughter’s school hours.

“It’s been extremely difficult”, said Katie.

“I’d been going to interviews, and nothing worked out too well.

“I didn’t expect Work Routes to be as helpful as it has been.”

After being referred to Work Routes by the job centre, Katie was assigned a personal Employment Adviser - Kelly – who supported her with every aspect of her job search.

“Kelly has been really supportive and has helped me put things down properly in my CV, fill in lots of forms and has pushed me in the right direction.”

Katie is due to start her new job as a care assistant next week.

As well as helping people into employment, Work Routes continues to support participants even once they have secured a job.

If you are over 18 and currently unemployed, visit workroutes.co.uk to sign up.