Restart Scheme
OneBelow is the brainchild of the original owners of Poundland and is already on track to open 90 stores nationwide by the end of the year and more in 2022. And with the help of Serco’s Employer Engagement team the budget retailer has offered 15 Participants, one from the Restart Scheme, jobs in its newest store in Crosshands, West Wales.
Further opportunities for Welsh Restart Scheme Participants are likely in the run up to Christmas with stores opening in Swansea and Cwmbran. And OneBelow Area Manager, Dave Evans said, “Our first experience of working with the Serco Employer Engagement team has been excellent; they far exceeded expectations’.
Behind the scenes, the Serco Restart Scheme and its delivery partners are rolling out Insight Sessions in the regions to make sure the candidates are job ready and less likely to impact attrition. They not only promote the various job opportunities, but act to introduce Participants to OneBelow and make sure they know what to expect from working with the retailer.
Evans explained, “The turnaround time on new store openings is exceptionally tight so it’s reassuring to know that I can rely on the team to support me with the recruitment of my new staff quickly and efficiently.” And after a round of day-long interviews facilitated by the Restart Scheme delivery partners Evans was happy to conclude, “We interviewed 15 applicants on the day and offered 15 contracts.”
This is just the start according to Serco’s Employer Engagement Coordinator, Emma Wood, “With a further 20 stores planned to open across Wales and the UK over the next year we are looking forward to this successful business collaboration. It’s great to be part of providing fantastic and sustainable employment opportunities for our Restart Scheme Participants.”
