Devon man secures hospitality role thanks to Jobcentre Plus

A jobseeker with social anxiety has secured a hospitality role thanks to bespoke Jobcentre support.

Bradley John, 20, from Devon spent his adolescence with a fear of social situations, leaving him unable to enter the workplace.

His story comes as the DWP marks the second national Hospitality Day; a day dedicated to celebrating the industry’s role as a cornerstone of our economy.

The hospitality sector continues to attract millions and the number of vacancies across the UK remains high at 168,000.

On the Find a Job site, a Department for Work and Pensions portal, there are over 11,000 jobs alone in hospitality and catering.

With the help of Barnstaple Jobcentre, Bradley has developed new coping strategies following a mentoring circle.

Bradley is now working as an assistant for The Imperial Hotel in Ilfracombe, helping the company with its booking systems, data entry and highlighting the seaside resort’s history with paying customers.

Mentoring circles were launched in 2019 and are designed to help jobseekers across the UK into work.

Work Coaches provide a personalised service as part of the sessions, helping young people, like Bradley to overcome barriers and find work.

Bradley said:

“My experience with the Jobcentre has been great. I was looking for a job with no hope and they helped me instantly.

“I’m really enjoying my new role, and everyone is so kind. I have learnt so much so far and it’s made me a better person.”

Victoria Prentis MP, DWP Minister of State, added:

“It’s great to hear stories like Bradley’s as we celebrate Hospitality Day. His willingness to adapt and enter a role in a booming industry is testament to his character.

“Jobcentres across the country are helping people get on and grow, especially where we are seeing high demand and we continue to work with UK Hospitality to promote jobs in the sector.”

Since Bradley joined The Imperial Hotel, the company’s relationship with Jobcentre Plus has also strengthened, with the hotel even attending a hospitality jobs fair in Ilfracombe in February to showcase a raft of vacancies