Shakeel thought that his prospects were bleak following time in prison but now has a full time job

• Shakeel, Huddersfield, had previously worked in customer services before being convicted of intent to supply Class A drugs in 2010 and served 21 months of a 3.5 year sentence.
• Following his release Shakeel (referred to as Shak) was placed on a post release tag, placing a number of time restrictions on him and restrictions on areas of the locality he could visit.
• When he joined the Work Programme Shak’s view on the future had been severely affected by his position as an ex offender and he was convinced that he would no longer be employable.
• On joining the Work Programme his employment advisor, from Interserve Working Futures supported him to build his confidence, develop his CV to reflect his skills and ambitions and helped him secure a number of interviews, as well as working with him with on mock interviews and presentations.
• An opportunity arose for Shak’s CV to be submitted to a ring fenced vacancy that had been secured by Springboards Developments, a national express courier.
• Shak impressed at the interview and was given a temporary Christmas role, following which he was offered a full time vacancy, which he started in March this year.

If you would like to arrange an interview with Shakeel or want more information please contact Nigel Charlesworth, Head of Corporate Communications, Interserve Working Futures, 0118 960 2332/ 07824 482 585/ nigel.charlesworth@interserve.com.