Big Issue Recruit generates £2m in social value

Big Issue Recruit has reported delivering more than 1,677 hours of training and generating more than £2m in social value since its launch in 2022.

The service has made an impact in helping jobseekers overcome barriers to employment, with 58% of candidates completing its 12-week programme and being certified as ‘work ready’ by job coaches.

Now in its second full year of operation, Big Issue Recruit has supported 13% more candidates than in its first year.

To date, 120 individuals have worked through significant barriers to work, such as poor mental health and digital exclusion, to secure jobs that suit their individual needs and interests.

The programme was launched to prepare candidates who face barriers to work for employment while also working closely with employers to help fill workforce gaps.

Its impact comes at a time when the UK is experiencing a challenging work climate, with unemployment rising by around 190,000 in the past year.

As of November 2024, the unemployment rate stood at 4.4%, with 1.57 million people aged 16 and over unemployed.

Big Issue Recruit has established a social value framework to demonstrate the monetary value of its work, including savings to the taxpayer and income generated for individuals.