HR firm’s charity calls for Kirklees businesses to help homeless employment programme

A programme launched by the charitable arm of a Cleckheaton HR, employment law and health and safety company to help get people who have been homeless back into work is set to launch in Kirklees after successfully securing jobs for nearly 20 people in Leeds since 2017.

‘Business Building Futures’, run by Cleckheaton based charity The Howarth Foundation, works with a network of businesses to place individuals that are recovering from homelessness and addiction back into part or full-time employment or skills training to aid their recovery, boost their self-esteem and integrate them back into society.

Since its launch, the programme has placed 17 people back into paid employment, with 16 individuals placed into skills training and a further 13 referred for housing assessments.

The charity is now calling for businesses based in Kirklees to get behind the initiative and attend its launch event at The John Smith’s Stadium on 22 October.

Andy Howarth, CEO at The Howarth Foundation, explained:

“Our Business Building Futures programme has been extremely well-received in Leeds since launching in 2017.

“We have successfully placed clients into permanent roles with some of the city’s most recognised brands, including Leeds United Football Club and Ringways Motor Group, and have secured official backing from Leeds City Council and had our clients’ stories shared on Sky News.

“Now, as part of our charity’s remit, we want to extend the Business Building Futures programme into Kirklees. We are asking local businesses who think they may be able to support to come along to our launch event on 22 October and help us give people who have experienced the grip of addiction and homelessness a chance to rebuild their lives.”

Natalie Wells, Business and Client Manager at The Howarth Foundation, added:

“Employment is often the final piece of the puzzle for our clients. Having a regular job gives them a sense of purpose and can significantly reduce their chances of remission.

“However, we recognise that for many businesses, offering employment to someone who has spent time homeless can be a daunting prospect. That’s why The Howarth Foundation works closely with all our employers to match the right candidate with the role and provide ongoing support, including HR and employment law advice through our family firm, Howarths, plus regular review points once the candidate has been placed in the business.”

Mr Howarth added:

“We know the Business Building Futures scheme works. We have been able to make a lasting difference to our clients’ lives while providing businesses with some of the most loyal, dedicated and enthusiastic employees they will ever recruit.

“Our clients want to do well at work, they want to succeed, and they want to feel they have a purpose in life again. We are now asking businesses across Kirklees to get on board and help us make that a reality.”

The Business Building Futures launch event takes place at The John Smith’s Stadium in Huddersfield from 4pm – 6pm on Tuesday 22 October. To register, email natalie@howarthfoundation.org.uk

-ENDS-

Issued on behalf of The Howarth Foundation by Alex Mason, PR consultant. For more information, please contact alex@alexdmasonpr.com or call 07983 726 119.