Smart Works Reading supports unemployed women into work via our free job interview dressing and coaching service. By boosting women’s confidence to get a job they can change the trajectory of their lives. We are raising funds to help us on our mission to double the number of women we support.
Categories
Beneficiaries
Situation
Unemployment is one of the key barriers to financial independence and self-esteem. The aftermath of the pandemic and cost-of-living crisis are disproportionately impacting women, especially those facing intersectional barriers: 38% of our clients are lone parents, 17% have a disability and 38% are from an ethnic minority. Last year, our clients applied for an average of 31 jobs without success before visiting us. 25% of clients have been unemployed for over one year and 15% for over five years.
Solution
Smart Works Reading helps local unemployed women, especially those from low-income backgrounds, to succeed at their job interviews and secure work. Delivered by highly trained volunteers, we provide a free job interview dressing and coaching service. 69% of women who visit us are employed within a month. This targeted intervention tackles the inequality gap, enabling women to gain financial independence for themselves and their families. Last year, we supported 597 unemployed women into work.
