Restart Program Surpasses 3,000 Job Placements
A Successful Collaboration Helping Long-Term Unemployed Find Work
The Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) and employment support specialist Maximus have joined forces to deliver the REC's Restart Scheme, a UK government-backed program designed to help long-term unemployed individuals get back into work.
The scheme offers personalized coaching, job search assistance, and confidence-building support to those who have been out of work for an extended period. This tailored help includes CV improvement, interview preparation, and connecting participants with employers in various sectors.
The partnership has been fruitful, with Maximus supporting over 3,000 participants into work. However, only 3,000 have been placed through the REC's Restart Scheme with its members. This success is evident in numerous individual examples where participants have overcome significant personal and professional challenges to secure employment.
For instance, Josh found success in the hospitality sector, Shanay gained confidence and improved her job application skills for a fast food role, and David transitioned from a primary caregiver to employment. These stories highlight the scheme's ability to make a real difference in people's lives.
The collaboration between the recruitment and employability sectors, as demonstrated by the REC and Maximus partnership, has unlocked new opportunities for those furthest from the labor market. Conferences and collaborative events among stakeholders have fostered better communication and improved service delivery.
The impact of the Restart Scheme on long-term unemployed people in the UK is evident from recent evaluations. The scheme has contributed to an increase in employment rates and a decrease in economic inactivity, with employment for the working-age population rising in early 2025, and economic inactivity falling.
The scheme's ongoing refinement and stakeholder collaboration aim to improve these outcomes further. The REC's Chief Executive, Neil Carberry, aims to achieve 4,000 work placements by the end of 2025.
The success of the REC's partnership with Maximus on the Restart Scheme suggests it is a program to learn from. The collaboration between the recruitment and employability sectors, as demonstrated by the REC and Maximus partnership, has been instrumental in matching jobseekers to roles in sectors vital to the UK's economic growth, such as construction and manufacturing.
The partnership between the REC and Maximus has successfully placed participants in these sectors, demonstrating the value of cross-sector working on a global scale. The REC advocates for more public-private partnerships to achieve the government's 80% employment target.
In recognition of their work, the REC won a Leadership in Social Innovation award from the World Employment Confederation (WEC) in 2023 for its Restart Scheme work with Maximus. The new government is considering revamping services for the unemployed as part of its Get Britain Working plan, and it is hoped that the success of the Restart Scheme will inform these changes.
Recruiters in Leeds and London have been particularly successful in making Restart placements in 2025, and the number of placements under the Restart Scheme has been increased by roles in warehouse, manufacturing, industrial, cleaning, and construction. Research published by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) in May 2024 shows the Restart Scheme led to positive outcomes in terms of employment and life satisfaction.
The Restart Scheme is a significant employment support initiative positively impacting long-term unemployed people by increasing their employability and job prospects across the UK.
Incorporating technology into their strategies, the REC and Maximus leverage online platforms for education-and-self-development, allowing participants to take part in webinars and access supportive resources remotely, enhancing their skills and boosting their chances of finding work.
By fostering a tech-driven lifestyle, the Restart Scheme empowers long-term unemployed individuals to adapt and excel in today's digital workforce, ultimately bridging the gap between career aspirations and employment opportunities.
