REC Restart Scheme hits 3,000 placements

The Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) is urging the government to build on the success of the Restart Scheme, with 3,000 placements in just over three years through the REC/Maximus partnership programme.

In 2022, the REC teamed up with Maximus, one of the country’s leading employment support specialists, who deliver the government’s Restart Scheme which helps long term unemployed people find work, especially those impacted by the pandemic. It has proved a great match, with REC members keen to take job seekers supported by Maximus to fill vacancies in the face of broad labour and skills shortages – as well as determined to give people a chance to get back into employment.

The REC has long advocated for more public and private partnership to get people working. This is essential if the government wants to reach it’s 80% employment target.

The number of placements so far in 2025 has been boosted by roles in warehouse, manufacturing, industrial, cleaning and construction. Recruiters in Leeds and London are proving particularly successful in making Restart placements with their clients this year, but the Restart Scheme is a nationwide success.

And with the new government looking to revamp the services open to people out of work as part of its Get Britain Working plan, the success of REC’s partnership with Maximus on the Restart Scheme suggests it is a programme well worth keeping.

REC Chief Executive Neil Carberry said:

“Recruiters have risen to the challenge of giving talent a chance despite a tough economy in recent years – and its success means we can now set our targets even higher to hit 4,000 work placements by the end of 2025.

“This scheme shows the power of employers, recruiters and government working together. And we hope this scheme or one similar to it remains as the government looks to get people off welfare and into work.”

The Restart Scheme provides additional tailored support above what is available through Jobcentre Plus, supporting participants into sustainable work. Research by DWP, published in May 2024, shows the Restart Scheme supported participants to achieve positive outcomes both in terms of sustainable employment and higher life satisfaction.

The REC has operated this partnership at no cost to its members and the candidates. This is by targeting funding from within its partnership with Maximus. Maximus have supported many more than 3,000 of the scheme’s participants into work but that is the number placed with REC members through the REC scheme.

The success of this partnership approach was marked globally in 2023 when the REC won a Leadership in Social Innovation award from the World Employment Confederation (WEC) for its Restart Scheme work with Maximus.

Gary Spann, Employer Services Director at Maximus, said:

“Our partnership with the REC has successfully supported thousands of jobseekers to find work, and crucially matched them to roles in sectors vital to the UK’s economic growth, from construction to manufacturing.

By bringing the recruitment and employability sectors together, we’ve been able to unlock new opportunities for people furthest from the labour market and show the value of innovative cross-sector working”

Notes to editors

Case study

Mathieu, 64, from Enfield, had been out of work for a year and a half before joining the Restart Scheme in June 2024. He had previously worked as a teaching assistant but had to leave his job and go back to Congo for family reasons. After returning to the UK, he needed tailored support to find employment again. When Mathieu joined the Restart Scheme, he did not have a CV and was unsure how to apply for jobs or use a computer for job searches.

His Employment Advisor helped Mathieu create a CV that showed his skills, and met with him twice a week to work on job applications, respond to emails, and review any responses from employers. One of Mathieu’s biggest barriers was the lack of funding for travel to interviews and the office. His Employment Advisor Alessandro reimbursed him for his travel costs, so he could attend important meetings and interviews around London. With further support from the Employer Engagement team, Mathieu registered with two teaching agencies, Bouncers Teacher and Empowering Learning, who then helped him secure a teaching assistant  role.  After starting his new role in September 2024, Mathieu reflected: “I am thankful to Maximus and my advisor Alessandro Rizzi for the help that I have received in getting back to work. I always felt motivated by Alessandro day after day to transform my life.”

1.     For over 50 years Maximus has been a leading provider of employment, health and disability services, delivering tailored, holistic support that helps people find sustainable work and improves their health outcomes. It works alongside government, local authorities, businesses and voluntary organisations across the UK, developing strategic partnerships that transform the lives of communities and individuals.

2.     The REC is the voice of the recruitment industry, speaking up for great recruiters. We drive standards and empower recruitment businesses to build better futures for great candidates and themselves. We are champions of an industry which is fundamental to the strength of the UK economy.