Grow People blog

IKEA – both sides of the story

Local Supported Employment's goal is to secure sustainable employment by matching local residents' skills with employer needs. It focuses not just on filling vacancies, but on building careers and fostering inclusion. A diverse workforce is understood to attract a diverse customer base.

The council partnered with IKEA, a major local employer, to pilot this approach. Following thorough skill assessments, they facilitated a three-week supported work placement, timed with IKEA’s annual recruitment drive. Two clients secured permanent roles, thanks to precise skill matching, job coaching, and IKEA’s openness to considering skills beyond traditional job descriptions.

The real impact is best heard from those involved. James, a successful candidate, shared his experience: “I had help to apply for the job at IKEA. Mandy [Employment Officer in the Employment Support Team] helped me to prepare for the interview and at interview helped me understand some of the questions. I went on to a work placement at IKEA in the Fulfilment team in the warehouse. Mandy helped me at the induction training and worked with me in the Fulfilment team to learn all parts of the job. As I got more confident and learnt the job Mandy then gave me less support until I felt independent. After work placement, a job opportunity arose in Fulfilment, and I was supported to apply and was successful in gaining my job in a Customer Fulfilment role. I really enjoy my job, interacting with customers and co-workers and picking customer orders.”

Tristan, another successful candidate, added: “IKEA is a good environment to work in and I enjoy working with my co-workers. I like the atmosphere and how I am treated, it’s like a family. I like manual handling jobs and picking customer orders and live delivery.”

From IKEA’s perspective, Zoe, People and Culture Operations Co-ordinator, explained:

“Our partnership with Southampton City Council’s Employment Support team started in August 2024. Our goal was to offer jobs to local residents with long-term potential in our business. At IKEA, we value equality, diversity and inclusion in everything we do.

We piloted a 3-week work placement, identifying key business areas for recruitment. Employment officers matched candidates to roles and provided workplace support. This allowed individuals to demonstrate their abilities beyond an interview setting. As a result, James and Tristan secured roles in our Picking team in November 2024. Both have since passed probation, using the skills gained during placement and continuing to grow with us.”

Eleanor, Manager of Fulfilment at IKEA, added: “Since their onboarding with us Tristan and James have quickly adopted our values at IKEA and have adapted well to our fast paced and ever-changing department here in fulfilment. Their consistent positivity and enthusiasm to learn our routines and ways of working has been a pleasure to observe.”

The programme’s success is built on four key elements:

1. Proactive timing and strategic planning – aligning placements with recruitment drives.
2. Thorough skill matching and preparation – ensuring candidates thrive in their roles.
3. One-to-one job coaching – fostering independence through tailored support.
4. Strong employer partnerships – close collaboration and long-term engagement.

The council is now expanding this success by reintroducing "working interviews," allowing employers to see candidates’ skills in action. The free support services help both employers and jobseekers navigate recruitment challenges.

What the council offers

• Personalised skill assessments and representation
• Application, interview, and on-the-job training assistance
• Ongoing, free in-work support for employers
• Help with reasonable recruitment adjustments

The benefits for employers

• Access to highly motivated, pre-screened candidates
• Reduced recruitment costs and risks
• Supported integration of new employees
• Contribution to the local economy and social responsibility

Councillor Sarah Bogle, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, said: “This programme showcases the power of local partnerships. Connecting residents with fulfilling jobs strengthens our community and local economy. Businesses gain skilled, motivated employees, making Southampton a more inclusive, vibrant city. We urge employers to embrace this free service and unlock the opportunities our Employment Support team offers.”

Southampton City Council’s Employment Support Programme is a win-win for businesses and jobseekers. The council is committed to supporting both employers and candidates and always seeking new partnerships.

Want to learn more?

Further information can be found online: https://www.southampton.gov.uk/grow/people/employment-support-team/support-for-employers-and-businesses

You can also contact the council’s Employment Support team at employment.support.team@southampton.gov.uk today to see how they can help your business thrive while making a real difference in the lives of local residents.

Calum is a client on our Local Supported Employment programme who was supported to find paid work at John Hansard Gallery. 

Calum says: "The programme has been very beneficial for me in a number of ways. It has assisted me in getting the two roles I currently have. One being at the John Hansard Gallery as a Gallery Assistant and the other as a volunteer radio presenter at Voice FM. Both of these were found by my Employment Officer Nadine, who also helped me at the beginning of our time together to find local comedy open mic nights. Stand-up was something I had wanted to for a while after dabbling at university and with Nadine’s assistance I’m performing six to eight times a month on average. This has also included the occasional paid gig too."

The support provided wasn't just for Calum. Luke from John Hansard Gallery explains how our team supported them as an employer:

"Our journey first began when we invited the Employment Support Team to come along to our recruitment evening. Calum was one of a few individuals looking for work in the arts and his Employment Officer (Nadine) was instrumental to bridge the gap between us.

"Working with Calum and Nadine has been a great experience for us at John Hansard Gallery. Establishing a working relationship and carving out a space for Calum has given us the opportunity to redefine what it is to be a Gallery Assistant. Calum draws on his previous experiences, such as a stand-up comic and tour guide, to deliver a fresh and engaging take on visual arts, while his visual impairment challenges the norm of gallery invigilators.

"Nadine was crucial to the onboarding and recruitment process. Having regular catch ups and meetings has helped us to wrap our heads around the Access to Work system. Nadine felt like an extension of our team rather than an external party.

"Calum continues to impress in the role and is fast becoming our survey power house in the team."

Mckenzie

Mckenzie wanted to find a job in carpentry but employers weren't getting back to her. Our Young Adults Employment Hub supported Mckenzie to get a work placement with a local carpentry business to build her confidence and experience in the industry.

Mckenzie's Story on YouTube