Working Wardrobe provides high quality clothing and training for unemployed men. The objective of this is to give them the confidence to succeed at job interviews.

The social value project was set up by social housing provider, One Manchester. Through conversations with their employment support centres, they learnt that a major barrier to employment is lack of suitable clothing.

The work wear initiative process

Candidates are referred to the project through organisations such as job centres, work programmes, and ex-military support services. They receive a personalised styling session with a working wardrobe stylist. They are then provided with a complete outfit and personal hygiene pack. After dressing, each candidate receives a one-to-one interview preparation and coaching session with a qualified Employment Support Advisor.

Following further research and feedback from residents, a gap concerning work wear for manual occupations was identified. Some of the candidates found it difficult to afford the basic equipment they needed so One Manchester looked for ways they could help remove that barrier.

How Travis Perkins Managed Services helped to make a difference

Through a community investment fund provided by One Manchester’s procurement solutions partner, Travis Perkins Managed Services, they have been able to build up a stock of workwear. This includes items such as safety boots and tradesman trousers to enable candidates to start work.

Pat Eaves, Employment and Skills Manager at One Manchester says, ‘It’s amazing to see how people’s confidence grows from entering the Working Wardrobe, you can see them physically grow, they stand up straight, their whole demeanour changes and they walk into an interview with added confidence and look like they really want that job’.

Giving back to the community through social value projects

Giving back to the community is important to us and our partners. Moreover, seeing the difference this makes to peoples lives makes it even more worthwhile. As well as offering repair and maintenance management services, we also get involved with social value projects. Our community investment funds have proven highly beneficial to charities and organisations. This allows them to continue to provide the much needed services to those in need.

To find out more about Travis Perkins Managed Services procurement solutions, contact us. You can also email managedservices@travisperkins.co.uk to find out how to get involved in our next social value projects.