BASILDON MP Stephen Metcalfe recently visited the Basildon Restart Scheme which is part of the Department for Work and Pensions' plan to increase employment rates across the country following the Covid pandemic.

He met the team who are working to increase employment rates across the local area as part of the Government's Restart Scheme.

In collaboration with Reed, the Basildon Restart Scheme is providing guidance and direction to members of the community who are long-term unemployed, to help them find sustainable employment.

The rollout of the Restart Scheme started in 2021 following the pandemic and aimed to break down the barriers that could be holding back Universal Credit claimants from job opportunities.

Reed was chosen as the local partner for the Home Counties to identify skills gaps, growth sectors and provide local expertise.

Mr Metcalfe met with Ian Whittle, the Partnership Manager, to discuss the Basildon Restart Scheme's success which can be seen in their Pitsea office where hundreds of success stories are pinned to a success story tree.

With a digital hub, skills training room and in-person consultations, the Pitsea office is a facility helping jobseekers enter the job market.

Mr Metcalfe said: "Many thanks to the team at the Basildon Restart Scheme for inviting me to have a look at the great work they are doing to unlock job opportunities and get people back into sustainable employment following the Covid pandemic.

"The team there is fantastic and I think the success story tree is evidence of that."

If anyone is interested in learning more about the Restart Scheme, or think that they could benefit from the services provided, give the Basildon team a call on 01268 949224 or visit the Basildon Restart Scheme office which is located in Pembroke House at 8 Northlands Pavement, Pitsea, Essex, SS13 3DU.