esg win £8m Contract to support 9,400 people

Five contracts worth over £8m have been won by Sheffield-based Employability and Skills Group (esg) to support over 9,400 people with disabilities find sustainable employment.

The two year contracts are to deliver the Government’s New Deal for Disabled People (NDDP) in Manchester, Liverpool, Merseyside, South Tyne and Wear and Glasgow. The NDDP contracts will be delivered by esg’s Employability business sencia. NDDP benefits people with a health issue or a disability by adopting a structured, supportive approach to helping them back into work.

Adrian Holmes, Chief Executive Officer, esg, says: "These contracts are excellent news for esg and sencia and facilitate further growth in our business, taking us for the first time north of the border into Scotland. We have set up a new support infrastructure to support the efficient delivery of these contracts, bringing with it the creation of over 40 new jobs, which in a time where many businesses are cutting back is good news for us and the wider economy.

"We are now supporting the Government’s drive to equip the UK with people who have the skills to make a meaningful contribution to the economy. It appears from current forecasts that the economy will only get worse. NDDP provides people with the best possible opportunities to get back into work."

sencia helps incapacity and sickness related claimants get back into sustainable employment. It offers impartial advice and support on how to work towards gaining employment and a wide range of services from application forms and CVs to equipment and training. Work placements and trails are also arranged and benefits advice is given by a personal adviser.

Frances Kennedy, NDDP Area Manager, sencia, explains: "Clients who register with us see sencia employment consultant on a regular basis. We complete an initial registration form and a basic skills assessment. Within the first month, we complete a back to work plan – this is an individual plan which is continually reviewed during regular meetings. These meetings can take place at sencia sites or close to the individual’s home in their local café or job centre – basically wherever is most convenient for them. It is this unique personal approach that sets us apart in our approach to the delivery of NDDP and is reflected in our success securing contracts that will help almost 10,000 people in receipt of incapacity benefits.

"We are also supported by a large number of partners that add value to our relationship with our clients. These include Remploy and Breakthrough and are used for a range of support, including skills training, advocacy and support."

For further information visit www.esggroup.co.uk or www.sencia.co.uk