Press Release

HOMELESS JOBSEEKER COOKS UP A BRIGHTER FUTURE

20 August 2007

In less than six months Chris Cassidy has turned his life completely around. He has gone from being homeless and living in a Glasgow hostel to becoming a commis chef at one of the most prestigious addresses in the city.

It was back in February that 20-year-old Chris first came through the doors of Working Links in Glasgow. He was living in a homeless unit where 70% of any money he earned was used in lieu of rent. He held little hope of finding a way out of his situation.
But with the help of Working Links - an organisation that specialises in helping people who face barriers preventing them from working – he is now working in the kitchens at the four-star Malmaison Hotel.
It was at Working Links that he met with consultant, Stacey Vincent, and together they talked about his options. They discussed his previous experience in the catering industry and Stacey suggested he apply for a place on the Princes Trust training course ‘Get Into Cooking’ to develop his skills.
Stacey helped Chris produce a CV and prepare for the interview for the course. Working Links also assisted Chris with money to buy an interview suit, cover travel costs and a mobile phone.   
He was accepted onto the course and he trained at the Metropolitan College before gaining a work placement at the Malmaison Hotel in Glasgow. It was there that he made such an impression that he was offered a job as a commis chef.

Stacey said: “Working Links is dedicated to helping people like Chris who face barriers that prevent them from working. Chris was homeless and faced a bigger challenge than most to find a job. He had the determination to change his life but he just needed some support. That’s where we came in.”

Since it was launched in 2000, Working Links has helped more than 15,000 people in Scotland back into work through its many welfare-to-work initiatives. The organisation was initially founded to tackle the barriers facing people who find themselves disadvantaged in the labour market. Its role has expanded over the years and its benefits are felt across the wider community.

Its many services include tailored support packages for jobseekers. Support comes in many forms such as career or benefit advice, assistance with job search, interview tips, training and practical help.

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