West Midlands-based Wrights GPX is planning to implement proposals to ensure its workforce always includes a proportion of low qualified workers.
According to Business Desk, Andy Watkins, commercial director at the firm, said: “As a leading retail display supplier to Marks & Spencer we are regularly invited to conferences devoted to sustainability and community development. Like many of their suppliers we wanted to show a commitment to our community in a practical way.”
The new policy will mean that 2% of staff at Wrights GPX will be made up of applicants with low or no qualifications – essentially NEETs (not in education, employment or training).
The Office of National Statistics currently estimates there are more than 1m NEETs, over half of whom are seeking employment.
“We already have a strong Apprenticeship Programme and this new programme will strengthen our commitment to developing skills in the West Midlands area. We don’t want people who have left school without qualifications to think they cannot build a career,” added Watkins.
Established in 1969 Wrights Plastics has developed a reputation as a provider of high quality plastic solutions. In 2010 Wrights Plastics purchased the GPX Group giving Wrights Plastics the ability to make and stock standard promotional and display items. Wrights GPX now supplies a range of clients and a major aspect of the business is creating bespoke retail display and point of sale displays for the likes of Selfridges, The John Lewis Partnership and The Raddison Hotel Group.
The firm has said it will work with local employment agencies and hopes to be appointing its first recruits under the scheme in the next eight weeks.
