European Social Fund in England

Instant muscle

The objective of Intermediate Labour market (ILM) provision is to provide a parallel labour market where those who are long-term unemployed can gain employability skills. Participants are employed on a temporary contract and the work they do does not replace 'real' jobs. These placements are in community, voluntary, social or health sectors. The aim is to re-introduce the participant to the world of work in a supported environment. Therefore, a key element of the ILM is the provision of an individual package of support to help the participant progress through the ILM and out into the competitive labour market. This support package includes:

• Individual action plan
• Access to a mentor/project worker for all-round support
• Occupational training related to the ILM placement, leading to NVQs (or other recognised qualifications) where appropriate
• Basic skills support where needed
• Basic ICT skills where needed
• Support in finding permanent employment in the competitive labour market
• A period of mentor support after the placement finishes, either on completion or if they leave early

Case Study 1 - Daphne Howard

Daphne had been a teacher for approximately thirty years before coming to Instant Muscle. When she arrived she was overwhelmed and insisted she could not do anything other than teach but did not want to go back to the profession after suffering stress related health problems. She was in tears within ten minutes of arriving with us.

After a thorough search for a suitable placement for her, Daphne went to work for the Combined Military Services Museum where she was able to use her transferable skills, such as her high levels of communication, to good effect.

She quickly became indispensable to them, even carrying out interviews with the press when a particularly exciting display arrived. She was offered the job and is now happily working in a job she loves.

Case Study 2 - David Colman

David had been a lorry driver. He suffered stress related health problems and required a major operation. He had lost all confidence.

He went into a placement at the British Heart Foundation where he was able to develop his communication skills, which he hadn't really needed in his former job. He worked in the shop and went out with the van picking up donated goods.

Before his placement was over he was offered the job and a few weeks later was made assistant manager.