Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne came to see how Willmott Dixon is using its project to build a free school in Norwich to give work opportunities for unemployed people in the town.

The company is taking the opportunity on its Scape procured scheme to convert a former fire station into a new home for Sir Issac Newton Free School to collaborate with Norwich’s Jobcentre Plus on its ‘Norwich for Jobs’ campaign that is being led by local MP Chloe Smith. This sees Willmott Dixon provide placements with its subcontractors to young people currently unemployed who want to find work in construction.

Three people have already signed up to work at the project between 25-30 hours per week for up to eight weeks without any change to their benefits.


One person using the scheme is Luke Coker, 34 years old, said: "I was a self-employed brick-layer, but two years ago I had some health issues and couldn't work. Now I am ready to go back to work, but it is difficult to find a job when you have been unemployed for this long. This project is helping me get back on my feet, and getting me used to being at work again."

Luke is working alongside the Willmott Dixon team, completing general duties, some brickwork repairs and infills, before being placed with the bricklaying sub-contractor when they arrive on site in a couple of weeks.

All sub-contractors working on the project are being asked to sign up to Norwich for Jobs.

Julia Nix, district manager for Jobcentre Plus in East Anglia said: "I am delighted Willmott Dixon has signed up to provide Norwich young people with work experience opportunities. This can really make the difference to a young person by improving their confidence and skills, all of which help them to get a job. It is also very pleasing to see that the company is encouraging their sub-contractors to do likewise."

(CD/IT)