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18 June 2020
Pilgrim’s UK pleased to announce Bright Future, who provide a pathway to paid employment for victims of modern slavery, has been given the green light by the FCA (Finance Conduct Authority) to formally become an independent co-operative – giving the organisation more support to help survivors.
As one of the founding members, Pilgrim’s welcomes the news and is looking forward to the greater provision the move will bring for survivors.
Andy York, Responsible Sourcing Manager at Pilgrim’s UK and a founding board member of Bright Future said: “Pilgrim’s UK has been working to combat modern slavery for some time, but Bright Future is a real beacon of hope – giving survivors an opportunity to build a new life. This fresh move means the 24 businesses involved, and 28 supporting charities, will be able to harness all our innovation to help more victims in the future.”
Under the Bright Future scheme, victims are offered a four-week paid work placement leading to a non-competitive interview. If both elements are successful, the candidate will be offered a permanent job within the host business. Eight survivors have already been given a chance to rebuild their lives by Pilgrim’s UK, with four still in permanent employment. It is envisaged that more people will secure placements through the programme thanks to this new structure.
“We are excited to build on this partnership as we begin to open more and more doors to help victims of modern-day slavery.”
Matt Dight, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility, who leads on tackling modern day slavery and has been closely involved in the project added: “We’re committed to providing a workplace where people feel valued and part of a community. We are pleased the FSA has approved the setup of the co-operative and it means the Bright Future programme will grow from strength to strength – helping survivors build a future.”
Andy further explained: “Survivors who have already been through the Bright Future programme are now on the path of self-help and self-determination. We are excited to build on this partnership as we begin to open more and more doors to help victims of modern-day slavery.”
If you think your organisation could provide safe work placements for survivors in other industries, please get in touch with: Bright Future Head of Development, Phill Clayton, on: phill.clayton@cityhearts.co.uk.