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Remploy and JTC Furniture Group work together to offer local opportunities

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We are extremely proud of our employer partnerships and, as a business, collaboration is a key element to our success.

Our Employer Engagement team engage with many partners across Scotland to source sustainable employment opportunities for our Fair Start Scotland (FSS) participants who could be struggling to find work. 

Remploy have been working with JTC Furniture Group, one of Dundee’s largest employers, for four years and, since 2019, they have employed 44 Remploy participants through the Fair Start Scotland service – 30 of these being over the last year.  

Paul Freeman, JTC Furniture Production Manager, spoke of the partnership’s continued success: “Our partnership with Remploy has hugely benefitted our company and has taken away the stress of the recruitment process. Our Account Manager always provides good quality, local people that work hard. Thanks to Remploy, we have more diverse applicants that might not have otherwise considered a career in manufacturing.”

Established over 40 years ago in Dundee, JTC Furniture Group are one of the UK’s leading fitted furniture manufacturers. Our relationship is built on shared values as we both share the same passion of offering people the chance to grow and progress, regardless of their barriers and background.   

Neil Bell, Remploy Account Manager in Dundee, worked closely with JTC Furniture Group to source suitable participants and ensures they are prepared for the interview process. Neil’s expertise and knowledge of the company means that he fully understands their requirements, which makes their recruitment process much easier and faster.   

Neil said: “JTC Furniture Group are a great example of a local employer who understand what we are looking to achieve in helping secure sustainable employment for our participants.  

“They are a progressive employer who are a joy to work-in-partnership with. They share our values as an employer and are keen to attract a diverse workforce that represents the local community.” 

Frankie Ogilvie, a participant who secured a role with JTC Furniture Group through Remploy, has worked for the company for just under a year and his son has started working alongside him, too. 

After finding himself unexpectedly out of work, Frankie joined the Fair Start Scotland programme and initially secured a role in retail. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, Frankie’s hours were reduced, and with Remploy’s support he secured a new full-time position with JTC Furniture Group. 

Frankie said: “The support and guidance I received from all involved at Remploy was excellent, especially with a pandemic going on. 

“I feel very lucky to gain a job closer to home, that fits well around my family life and other commitments. The transition from retail into factory work has felt easy and that’s thanks to all the support I received from my work colleagues and the management team at JTC Furniture Group.” 

Our relationship continues to thrive as we continue to work together to provide sustainable employment opportunities to the local community in Dundee. 

25 February, 2022

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