Serco awarded £175m contract to drive employment prospects

Serco has secured a £175m contract extension by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to provide the Restart Scheme in West Central England and Wales for a further two years.

Participants in the scheme across the Black Country, Coventry, Greater Birmingham and Solihull, The Marches and Worcestershire and Wales are given up to 12 months of tailored support to help them find sustainable employment.

Serco works in collaboration with several delivery partners to deliver the contract, including CV writing, interview techniques, and confidence building, as well as providing various training and learning opportunities including digital skills and functional Maths or English. The Restart Scheme also addresses personal and social barriers, offering financial advice, cost-of-living tips and mental health guidance.

Working in partnership with 107 Jobcentre Plus (JCP) offices, Serco receives referrals for the Restart Scheme through JCP Work Coaches.

At the beginning of July, the DWP altered the eligibility criteria for the Restart Scheme to allow for more people to be assisted. Now, individuals on Universal Credit will be referred after six months, rather than nine.

To date, Serco has successfully helped around 20,000 individuals across West Central and Wales find sustainable employment and employs 74 members of Restart Scheme staff at their self-delivery offices in Birmingham, Coventry, West Bromwich and Cardiff.

Antony King, Serco’s managing director of citizen services said: “We are committed to continue delivering the Restart Scheme in partnership with our delivery partners across West Central and Wales. Witnessing the transformative effect of employment on individuals’ lives daily is a privilege. Employment not only enhances financial stability but also significantly boosts personal health and wellbeing, positively affecting individuals’ social circles and families.

“I am thrilled about the extension of the Restart Scheme, as it underscores the profound impact such initiatives have on participants. This extension ensures that our Job Coaches can continue their vital work in improving lives and making an impact. I’d also like to thank our extensive network of partners who help us deliver the contract for their work to date and their dedication to their ongoing support.”