Reed in Partnership launches in Poland
The launch of Reed in Partnership’s Poland contract signals hope to the thousands of unemployed people within the country
In recent years, Poland has experienced a heightened level of unemployment, with record levels of people out of work or reliant on government benefits. A successful bid from Reed in Partnership to the Polish government was followed by months of research and careful preparation ahead of the contract, which launched in March.
The move into the European market presents fresh and varied challenges for Reed in Partnership's international team. Concentrating initially on three areas of the country, Katowice, Czestochowa, and Chorzow, the contract places a high emphasis on the alleviation of social exclusion as well as social and vocational reintegration.
In Katawice, focus is centred on women who have been excluded from employment due to a range of social or personal barriers, including age, disability, lack of qualifications or being lone parents. The programme aims to provide a means for such women to increase their employability, by raising motivation and increasing professional aspirations. The programme works with 120 long-term unemployed individuals, including 50 single parents, over 50 women aged 70 plus, and 15 women with disabilities.
In Czestochowa, the programme is working with 135 homeless individuals to help motivate and prepare them for the job market. Working with this target group means the focus here is on developing individuals’ social skills as well as regulating their legal situation. The project will also have an important role to play in breaking down existing prejudice towards homelessness and the negativity of employers towards this group.
Finally, in Chorzow, the project is focused on awakening the aspirations and increasing skills of 120 individuals who are threatened by social exclusion due to long-term unemployment, lack of vocational qualifications or health conditions.
Workshops and training are offered in all three districts, providing jobseekers with qualifications and skills and thus increasing their chances of obtaining and securing sustainable employment.
Chris Melvin, Chief Executive of Reed in Partnership, says: “We are delighted to have expanded our international capabilities into the Polish market. I am confident that with our understanding of the needs of employers and our personalised approach to supporting customers, we will help a significant number of people move into sustainable employment.”
Posted at
14:14
on
17/06/2010