Rixonway Kitchens to reduce unemployment in the north

Dewsbury-based Rixonway Kitchens is setting out to tackle unemployment in the region with a new programme to help local residents into work.

Rixonway has partnered with Manchester-based regeneration consortium, Procure Plus, to deliver training and support for social housing tenants looking for work.

The scheme creates sustainable work experience opportunities, with Rixonway offering placements and training to help tenants succeed in the recruitment process.

Candidates will then attend open days at the Rixonway factory, after which they are given work experience, training, employment skills and the opportunity to practice interview techniques.

Local employment groups and social housing landlords will help identify potential candidates for the scheme. Local housing providers already on board include Chevin Housing Association, Wakefield District Council and Leeds City Council.

As one of the largest employers in Kirklees, Rixonway currently employs more than 500 people from the local area. Since partnering with Procure Plus, the business has recruited two employees and hopes to recruit an additional eight people through the scheme by the end of the year.

Paul Stewart came to Rixonway from a local housing association for a work experience placement, before becoming a full-time employee.

Paul, who works on the production line at Rixonway, said: “I did a 12 week course with Chevin Housing Trust and a two week work placement at Rixonway, after which I applied for a job.

“Before I worked here, I had various part-time positions but couldn’t find anything long-term. The scheme was really good at supporting me through the application process and the support and training offered means I now have my first full-time job which has enabled me to support my family and expand my skill set.”

David Anderson, sales and marketing director at Rixonway, added: “We are very proud to be working with Procure Plus on the programme as we are constantly looking at ways in which we can improve opportunities for members of the local community.

“The Procure Plus programme allows us to invest in the future of our local residents and the process has produced some great, hard-working employees who are keen to learn. The benefits of the programme are clear and we hope to be able to help more participants into full-time positions in the future.”

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