UK: Thanet Earth recognised for supporting local jobseekers

As a growing local business, Thanet Earth Marketing relies on a team of people who care about their work. The site grows and packs tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers for Britain’s retailers. In a part of Kent that suffers from high unemployment and few opportunities, Thanet Earth is a landmark development which has to date put over £30m in wages back into the local economy. At the height of the season in the summer months, some 600 people work at Thanet Earth. Finding staff who want to build long careers with the business is an important factor in the company’s growing reputation for quality and great customer service.

Having the right people in the right roles is vital if Thanet Earth is to maintain a committed, effective team.

Recruitment isn’t always an easy thing to get right first time, and effective selection and training are crucial to make sure the right person is selected for a vacancy at Thanet Earth Marketing. The company aims to recruit for the long term – to minimise staff turnover and offer candidates a rewarding career in a business they can be proud of.

Working with Shaw Trust has provided a way for Thanet Earth Marketing to find local people in need of an opportunity with an open-minded employer that values diversity and recognises the individual. A year after starting discussions around work experience, training and potential employment, managing director Ian Craig has taken proud delivery of a plaque that recognises their status as a Work Choice Employer.

Shaw Trust is a charity that provides support to people who need help to be independent and economically active. Hasan Hijazi, employer engagement consultant explains: “Our clients are often disabled or disadvantaged, and whilst they have the potential and will to work, they benefit from more tailored support than is usually practical or available through the usual jobseeker support services.” The Trust also seeks to foster a more inclusive society and to help support employers who could benefit from a broader recruitment base.

By working particularly closely with Emma Bullock (human resources manager), and with Michael Eason (health and safety manager), Shaw Trust has helped Thanet Earth Marketing Ltd recruit two key members of staff. Gary Stupples and Tyrone Chawner-Bennett who have been matched respectively to vacancies in the quality assurance team and as a forklift driver.

By understanding the complexity of their employment and training backgrounds and some of the challenges they’ve faced before, the Thanet Earth team were able to work with Shaw Trust to feel confident that Gary and Tyrone could succeed in work and in these specific roles before their trial period and before their subsequent permanent appointment. “We wanted to put the time in to be sure that as an employer we anticipated and tailored their training and that we provided enough support from colleagues and managers for Gary and Tyrone to very quickly become effective and indispensable in their roles”, said Emma. “Whilst we would tailor an induction programme for every new starter, there were some extra considerations to take into account.”

Some six months after our two new recruits began working at Thanet Earth, they’ve grown and become core members of their teams. Tyrone spoke poignantly at the plaque presentation event, explaining that “For me, the people here are like family. I feel like they understand me and they really do care. We support each other to get the job done”.

(L-R) Hasan Hijazi (Shaw Trust), Bev Foard (Working Links), Penny Dadds (DWP / Job Centre Plus), Maggie Kerwin (Shaw Trust), Ian Craig, Gary Stupples, Tyrone Chawner-Bennett and Emma Bullock (all Thanet Earth Marketing Ltd)

Ian Craig confirmed the company’s commitment to continuing their work with Shaw Trust. “This link has provided our business with two super employees, and I’m extremely pleased to hear confirmation from them and from all involved that our collaboration is working. We continue to work closely with the local Job Centre staff and with Shaw Trust to recruit local people with a wide variety of backgrounds. We’ll use our position as a prominent local employer to offer further opportunities in an employment landscape which can, at times, look pretty bleak. I want to offer my thanks to Shaw Trust and to Working Links who offer funding to support the programme, and I want to thank Gary and Tyrone for their contribution to our business and for helping it get off to such a flying start.”

Working Links work with Shaw Trust to deliver the Work Choice programme, a government initiative providing specialist support to help disabled people into work. Shaw Trust’s Work Choice employment programme is part-financed by the European Union through the European Social Fund (ESF). The Fund was set up to improve employment opportunities, and in England is investing in jobs and skills – focusing on people who need support the most and helping them fulfil their potential. Shaw Trust finds and develops open-minded employers, matching candidates with vacancies and ensuring both client and company are supported. You can read more about the programme here.