A GROUP helping people find jobs in a post-Covid world has been officially opened by Slough’s MP after cutting the ribbon to its new office.

Residents looking for work can get into local jobs with a helping hand from Fedcap Employment, which has been around for over 85 years.

The not-for-profit organisation, which has 22 employees in Slough, is delivering the government’s new Restart Scheme, which helps people pick-up the skills they need to find suitable and sustainable jobs.

This involves updating CVs, helping customers impress at interviews, launching new start-up businesses, and help identify people’s transferable skills to use in another industry sector.

The group also works with companies such as SEGRO, Travelodge, and Compass Group to get people into work.

It opened a new branch in the Switch building near the town centre where the Slough’s MP Tan Dhesi came by to hear its vital work and to officially open the office by cutting the ribbon.

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During the visit, Mr Dhesi, local partners, and employers were given an insight into how Fedcap Employment has been delivering the Restart Scheme, which helps people who have been out of work for nine months or longer with tailored support.

Speaking at the opening on Friday, February 11, Mr Dhesi said: “Pre-Covid, we in Slough have enjoyed very low unemployment rates. We were immensely proud of that because as a town, it’s a huge business and work hub where people are holding down not just one but sometimes two or three jobs.

“It is a very industrious place but unfortunately, the pandemic has had a devastating impact on our economy.

“Because of the pandemic, the unemployment levels within Slough have risen more than other parts of the UK.

“For a town that had traditionally a very low employment of roughly around 1.5 to 1.7 per cent [but] because we’re reliant on many industries for example the aviation industry, which has been devastated by the pandemic, what has that means thousands of individuals are without employment.

“Many of those had to reskill and many are struggling to find jobs in other sectors.

“Because of our reliance, where thousands of people worked at Heathrow Airport as pilots, catering, security, and so forth, those individuals will need the help and assistance from the likes of Fedcap Employment.”

Since Fedcap began delivering the scheme last year, it has supported more than 1,300 people across the South Central area of England to successfully find new jobs.

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Fedcap Employment UK operations directo Susan Paterson said: “We’re delighted to have opened a new office in Slough, and are committed to giving people looking to return to work the time, space and support they need to find a job that’s right for them.

“Our trusted advisers get to know our customers and build up their skills, confidence and self-belief. Working with local employers and partners, the Slough team is already placing an average of one to two people per day into employment, and the signs are that we’re getting busier.”