Stepping Stone Award

John Bradley
Nominated by Jobcentre Plus, Stafford

Stafford customer service adviser John Bradley in the running to be crowned One in a Million, the title given to the UK’s top temporary, contract or interim worker.

John has won the Stepping Stone category of the One in a Million Award, given to the person who has made the best transition from a temporary to a permanent job role.

He was nominated by the Stafford Jobcentre Plus  for whom he has worked for seven months.

What impressed Jobcentre Plus was the way in which John returned to the job market after ten years having brought up his two sons following the death of his wife.

He started his working life in a variety of jobs but his background was primarily in the employment service. He signed on for work with the Stafford Jobcentre Plus and was taken on by them in a temporary position.

His principal role has been to carry out the fortnightly face to face interviews with jobseekers wanting to claim the allowance.

What impressed his manager Jaki Murray most about his work was his ability to empathise with the customers.

Jaki said: “Our customers range in age from 18 to 60 from people who have never worked to professionals and John is able to adapt his style of communication to suit them as individuals.”

John’s achievements so far include encouraging three long-term unemployed customers to join training schemes that will equip them with new skills and boost their confidence on their return to the labour market.

John was rewarded for his efforts by being offered a permanent job - just days before his temporary contract was due to end.

Helen Reynolds, the REC’s Acting Chief Executive Officer, said: “John is the perfect example of how someone who has been away from the job market for a considerable time can come back and make a real impact in a specific role because of their experience and personality.”