Kier supports vulnerable workers into employment

Published by Rachael Hunter for Kier Services in Education and also in Environment

17 employees enter open employment thanks to Kier Harlow

Kier Harlow has successfully mentored 17 employees in its Environmental Task Force team through its Scope scheme, which is run in conjunction with Harlow Council.  The scheme is designed to help adults with learning and physical disabilities enter employment through the provision of paid roles and training.

The Environmental Task Force team, based at Kier Harlow's Staple Tye depot on Perry Road, are tasked with tidying the local area. Their tasks include everything from litter picking, bridal way and verge clearance, fly-tip removal, industrial estate clearance and the maintenance of dog bins. 

Kier Harlow Environmental Task Force supervisor, Brian Jones, commented: “The team’s progression into open employment has given them a fantastic confidence boost, both professionally and personally. The team is an important asset to both Kier Harlow and the local community as they do a superb job of keeping the town clean.”

Faced with a shortage of training and job opportunities for hard to reach groups, Kier Harlow took the decision to invest in the local community through its Scope scheme which now feeds into the Environmental Task Force.

Kier offers training and support supplemented with numeracy and literacy training to those involved in Scope, initially called the Workstep scheme. The programme has been commended by Ofsted for the valuable contribution it makes to meet local training and employment needs.