‘I got a job so quickly. Big Issue Recruit changed my life’

Big Issue Recruit launched in September 2022 to support people who face barriers to employment, pairing them with specialist work coaches and providing tailored one-to-one support. It has so far worked with more than 1,200 candidates, and 349 people have successfully moved into employment.

Its work is more important than ever. More than 1.7 million people over the age of 16 were unemployed in the UK in April to June 2026. That’s an increase of around 88,000 on the previous year and represents almost 5% of the population. Big Issue Recruit is providing a solution. It offers tailored mentoring, training, and six months of support after a candidate has secured a role for both the individual and the employer. 

Dependent on needs, candidates are given training to improve literacy, problem-solving, leadership, digital, teamwork and communication skills. They are also assisted with their CVs, job applications, interview preparation, and online courses and training. This aims to improve their self-confidence and motivation – and also their employability.

“Big Issue Recruit changed my life. Growing up I had a lot of issues surrounding family, school and with relationships. It caused me to not want to continue with my education and I dropped out before going to university,” said Big Issue Recruit candidate Hollie. “Someone recommended I speak to Big Issue Recruit and that’s where my luck began to change, when I started working with my job coach. He showed me a job for a sales and services executive with C&C Group. I was worried that during the interview I’d not know what to say, but he coached me on the types of questions I’d be asked so I’d feel more confident.”

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Days after her interview, Hollie was told that she had got the job with C&C Group, which partners with Big Issue Recruit.

“I really recommend people seeking the support of Big Issue Recruit because it’s been such a positive experience,” said Hollie. “I’ve got a job so quickly and I couldn’t really have done it without them.”

Trusted employer partners are vital to Big Issue Recruit’s work. Danielle Stavrakis, talent acquisition partner at C&C Group, said: “Our partnership with Big Issue Recruit has been incredibly positive. It has allowed us to fill critical gaps in our workforce while providing meaningful opportunities to individuals facing barriers to employment. The candidates have been brilliant, and the support and professionalism of the Big Issue team has been outstanding.”

Big Issue Recruit’s work is also crucial for young people at a time when almost a million people aged 16 to 24 are not in employment, education or training (NEET). One in five people supported by Big Issue Recruit is aged 18 to 25.

“Many have applied for hundreds of jobs and struggle to find an employer to give them a chance,” said Catherine Parsons, managing director of Big Issue Recruit.  

“In Big Issue Recruit, each young person works on a one-to-one basis with a job coach to identify their skills, strengths and aspirations and to match them with employers who have vacancies and want to create a more diverse workforce. We have partnerships with employers in hospitality, construction, logistics and green energy, and job coaches provide support to the young person and their manager for the first six months. 

“This makes the world of work feel safer for everyone and means that over 90% of people who find a job through Big Issue Recruit stay employed, gaining the skills and experience to start building a career.”

If you could benefit from the support of our job coaches, or if you are an employer looking to build an inclusive team and create social impact, contact Big Issue Recruit

Do you have a story to tell or opinions to share about this? Get in touch and tell us more. 

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