Tesco is launching free Career Clinics in the UK to help over 1,000 individuals gain employment skills, particularly in deprived areas.
- The initiative offers life skills training and guarantees interviews in Tesco’s festive recruitment drive, addressing employment barriers.
- Research by Social Market Foundation highlights that a significant portion of the population feels unprepared in job markets, which Tesco aims to counter.
- By reducing CV and testing requirements, Tesco has streamlined recruitment and fostered a diverse workforce.
- Tesco’s CEO advocates for government support in training opportunities, emphasising the retail sector’s potential as a major employer.
Tesco is set to offer free Career Clinics across the UK, aimed at supporting over 1,000 people in November, with a special focus on areas experiencing high deprivation and economic challenges. These clinics are designed to provide participants with essential life skills and the confidence needed to secure employment, whether at Tesco or beyond. Furthermore, attendees are assured an interview as part of Tesco’s seasonal recruitment initiative.
The programme comes in response to findings from the independent think tank, Social Market Foundation, which revealed that 56% of surveyed individuals seeking employment feel ill-equipped to compete in the job market. Additionally, 36% struggle with interview performance while 30% encounter difficulties in crafting appealing CVs.
Recognising these challenges, Tesco has already made significant strides in reducing employment barriers by eliminating the necessity for CV submissions and psychometric testing for all frontline roles. The creation of new recruitment hubs within Tesco’s distribution teams has further enhanced personalised support and simplified the recruitment process, accommodating multiple languages, and halving recruitment times. This effort has led to a more diverse intake of new colleagues.
Tesco is proactively urging the government to facilitate training and reskilling opportunities. The company advocates for the implementation of the Growth and Skills Levy to enable individuals at all attainment levels to access modular and targeted training. Tesco’s chief executive, Ken Murphy, remarked, “Everyone is welcome at Tesco and I have always been a big believer in the power of retail as an employer.” He underlined the potential of retail to provide inclusive job opportunities, enhancing confidence and skill development.
Murphy expressed hope that the Career Clinics would significantly bolster skills and self-assurance where it is desperately needed. This initiative, coupled with changes in recruitment processes, is expected to open doors to flexible and rewarding career opportunities within Tesco.
Tesco’s introduction of Career Clinics marks a significant step towards reducing employment barriers and enhancing workforce diversity.
