Marks & Spencer Newark offer permanent roles to 6 unemployed residents

Ahead of the launch of the new M&S Foodhall on the Maltings Retail Park, Store Manager Dawn Riches formed a partnership with Futures to support with staff recruitment.  

There are many challenges that come with opening a new premises for a brand recognised nationally for exceptional customer experience. One of which is discovering the right staff for the roles while supporting the local community needs.  

Futures deliver a fully-funded government scheme known as a Sector Based Work Academy Programme (SWAP). This provides businesses with access to local job seekers who have recently completed sector training, relevant to their vacancies.  

We worked in close partnership with Newark Job Centre Plus to identify candidates that were suitable for the M&S Customer Assistant roles and prepare them for interview with training & guidance.  

Store Manager, Dawn, attended the Futures training to meet the candidates and provide a realistic insight into working at M&S.  

“I knew once I had heard more about the role that it would be perfect for me, I felt excited that I had this opportunity!” - Joanna W, successful job applicant  

Dawn went on to interview 7 Newark residents, all trained with a Customer Service qualification. The calibre of candidates was so high that 6 went on to be offered permanent roles at the new Newark Marks and Spencer Foodhall.  

Joanna Continues to tell us; ‘I’ve been working here for four months now and it’s been really great going into a job feeling prepared and understanding the expectations from the Manager before I even interviewed! I hope more businesses offer SWAP programmes to help those unemployed back into work in a structured way. It works for everyone involved!” 

Futures also provided the same recruitment programme for M&S in Derby where two more Customer Assistants were offered roles.  

Businesses of all sizes can access fully-funded recruitment with Futures for Business: www.futuresforbusiness.com