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easyJet expands uniform donation scheme to help jobseekers access smart workwear

Research showed that 71% of respondents said the high cost of smart workwear stopped them from buying suitable clothes for interviews and work. 

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easyJet expands uniform donation scheme to help jobseekers access smart workwear
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easyJet has expanded its uniform donation scheme to provide jobseekers with smart workwear for interviews, work and everyday use. 

The airline first rolled the scheme out to school children in late 2025 in partnership with the Level Trust. 

Now, easyJet is focusing on jobseekers struggling with the high cost of suitable clothing.

Research from easyJet found a lack of access to smart workwear was a major barrier stopping people from applying for jobs and succeeding at interviews.

Seven in 10 (71%) respondents said the high cost of smart workwear stopped them from buying suitable clothes for interviews and work. 

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Over half (57%) felt disadvantaged in the jobs market due to a lack of appropriate business wear. 

46% said worrying about their appearance had negatively affected their interview performance.

Additionally, the research found 83% agreed that having access to suitable business attire would help them present confidently in interviews, while 89% believed appropriate workwear would boost their chances of getting a job. 

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The demand for second-hand business clothing was also clear, with 79% saying they would wear it if it was in good condition and free.

easyJet will work with charities near key airports, starting with Luton-based NOAH Enterprise, which supported over 1,000 people in 2025. 

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Lahiru Ranasinghe, director of sustainability at easyJet, said: “This initiative began with a simple goal: to reduce waste by diverting our uniforms from landfill and repurpose as many items as we could for reuse. 

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“What we didn’t anticipate was the strong demand for these items, the diverse ways they’d be used and the impact they can have, including increasing people’s chances of securing jobs. 

“Recent unemployment figures reveal a growing disparity that exists across the UK and, while just one of many factors, our research shows that a lack of access to smart work wear can present a significant barrier to people seeking and securing employment.”

Ranasinghe added: “While this clearly is just one aspect of a much bigger systemic challenge, we’ve seen first-hand the impact that a small donation such as a pair of trousers or a coat can have and the vital work charities like NOAH do for so many individuals in local communities across the country.”

Jo Anderson, CEO of NOAH Enterprise, said: “For over 30 years, NOAH has been at the heart of the Luton community, providing vital support to people facing homelessness and extreme poverty. 

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“Through practical services, compassionate care, and long-term empowerment, we work every day to help individuals rebuild their lives with dignity and hope. 

“Our impact is made possible through strong partnerships with local businesses and organisations that share our commitment to social responsibility.”

Anderson added: “Collaborations with partners such as EasyJet play an essential role in helping us sustain and grow our mission, ensuring we can continue to reach those most in need and create lasting, positive change across the community.”

After Luton, easyJet will expand the scheme to more charities near its main UK bases, including Bristol, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Gatwick and Liverpool from March 2026. 

The airline aims to extend the initiative across its wider European network in the next few months.

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