A new programme is being set up in east London to help anyone out of work for more than a year to learn the skills and confidence needed to get through those nerve-wracking interviews for jobs.

East London Advertiser: New programme helping long-term unemployedNew programme helping long-term unemployed (Image: Reed)

Anyone signing up to the voluntary and free programme gets a one-to-one session with an employment adviser to develop a personal plan and advice on writing a CV and interview practice to build confidence.

The programme being funded Hackney Council and the European Social Fund which launches this month is being run at the employment support business Reed in Partnership’s east London offices.

“People are better off working, if they get the right help,” its managing director Martin Fallon said. “I’d encourage anyone who’s been out of work for a while to get in touch.”

Those on Jobseeker allowance who have been unemployed more than 12 months join a small group and get personal sessions with specialist trainers to develop the character traits that employers value—such as resilience, self-confidence, proactivity and working with others.

Workshops also cover transferable skills such as time management, communication and budgeting.

The three-year project focuses on those who have been out of work for 12 months or more and those who may face barriers to work.

It opens the door to vacancies which are not advertised elsewhere. The recruitment group, set up in 1998, has contact with many small and large businesses across the UK, and claims to help someone into work every 15 minutes.

Training is linked to growing industries, such as courses in food hygiene, linked to the hotel and hospitality industry which has grown by 17 per cent since 2009 and accounts for 1,300 businesses in Hackney alone.

The programme is being set up at Reed’s Dalston offices in Ramsgate Street. Those wanting to join you can apply online or call 020-7616 2344.