The REC highlighted that 3,000 placements were made in just over three years through the REC/Maximus partnership programme.

At the same time, the REC response to the government’s announcement today [27 May 2025] of an apprenticeship shake-up has been less enthusiastic, saying that “the real challenge” of creating apprenticeship opportunities is not being dealt with effectively.

Commenting on the government announcements on skills reforms (see separate story), REC CEO Neil Carberry said: “A greater targeting of funds on younger people is essential to protect their pathways into work, and offers greater stability and clarity in apprenticeship policy.

“Yet the changes announced today do not progress us on the real challenge that has driven down apprenticeship opportunities for young workers, which is the poor design of the Apprenticeship Levy. Fixing the levy with real progress on a new Growth and Skills levy is a big task but offers a big reward for people and employers,” Carberry said. 

“Firms are increasingly frustrated by the lack of progress on this. A greater embrace of shorter, modular courses and collaboration with employers is the way to maximise the talent in this country and is essential for industries from healthcare to construction.”

With regard to the Restart Scheme, the REC teamed up with employment support specialists Maximum, who deliver the government’s Restart Scheme, in 2022. Restart helps long-term unemployed people find work, especially those affected by the pandemic. “It has proved a great match, with REC members working in collaboration with Maximus and JobCentre Plus, to give people a chance to get back into employment,” the REC explained in a statement.

“The REC has long advocated for more public and private partnership to get people working. This is essential if the government wants to reach its 80% employment target,” the REC said.

The number of placements so far this year has been boosted by roles in warehouse, manufacturing, industrial, cleaning and construction. “Recruiters in Leeds and London are proving particularly successful in making Restart placements with their clients this year, but the Restart Scheme is a nationwide success,” the REC said.

“With the new government looking to revamp the services open to people out of work, as part of its Get Britain Working plan, the success of REC’s partnership with Maximus on the Restart Scheme suggests it is a programme to learn from,” the REC said.

Carberry said: “Recruiters have risen to the challenge of giving talent a chance despite a tough economy in recent years – and its success means we can now set our targets even higher to hit 4,000 work placements by the end of 2025.

“This scheme shows the power of employers, recruiters and government working together. And we hope this scheme or one similar to it remains as the government looks to get people off welfare and into work.”

The Restart Scheme provides additional tailored support above what is available through JobCentre Plus, supporting participants into sustainable work. Research by DWP, published in May 2024, shows the Restart Scheme supported participants to achieve positive outcomes both in terms of sustainable employment and higher life satisfaction.

The REC said it has operated this partnership at no cost to its members and the candidates. This is by targeting funding from within its partnership with Maximus. Maximus has supported many more than 3,000 of the scheme’s participants into work but that is the number placed with REC members through the REC scheme.

• Comment below on this story. Or let us know what you think by emailing us at [email protected] or tweet us to tell us your thoughts or share this story with a friend.