The Recruitment and Employment Confederation has supported 4,000 people into work through its partnership with Maximus on the government’s Restart Scheme.
The milestone was announced as the Office for National Statistics published the latest figures on young people not in education, employment or training. Although Restart is not specifically aimed at young people, the REC says its success with that age group shows the value of tailored employment support in helping people back into work and preventing long-term detachment from the labour market.
REC notes cited ONS data showing 1.01 million 16- to 24-year-olds were NEET in January to March 2026 — 13.5% of that age group, and the first time the number had exceeded one million since 2013.
In 2022 the REC partnered with Maximus, a leading provider of employment support services and a delivery partner for Restart, which helps people who have been out of work for longer periods return to employment after the pandemic. The partnership has brought REC recruiters together with candidates supported by Maximus at a time of widespread labour and skills shortages, helping agencies fill vacancies while creating routes back into work.
Shazia Ejaz, Director of Campaigns at the REC, said:
“This project puts recruiters right at the heart of successful solutions to lessen unemployment and shows how valuable they are as partners to government and business to propel more people back into work.”
“With policymakers rightly focused on measures to tackle the UK’s youth worklessness, this is an example of a successful job sourcing project to connect jobseekers with recruiters looking to fill vacancies. Restart’s success comes from tailored support, skills development and expert guidance that helps people find and secure the right jobs. From CV writing to interview preparation, it gives participants the confidence and tools to build lasting careers. We are proud to have made more than 4,000 placements and look forward to our recruitment member businesses helping more people into work and supporting them to build rewarding careers.”
Ejaz said the success of programmes such as Restart also shows the importance of keeping flexible routes into employment.
“The government’s challenge is to create momentum in the labour market to incentivise hiring and create work opportunities that meet employer and worker needs. This is where the UK’s temporary labour market is proving so effective in making it easier for employers to hire and train young people and grow their businesses even if they are not in a position to hire for a permanent position. It is vital that the government maintains flexible pathways into work.”
Restart offers personalised employment support beyond Jobcentre Plus, helping people overcome barriers to work and secure lasting jobs. A Department for Work and Pensions evaluation published in May 2024 found that participants achieved positive outcomes, including higher rates of sustained employment and improved life satisfaction.
Maximus helps tens of thousands of Restart participants into employment every year. More than 4,000 of those placements have been made specifically through REC member recruitment businesses.
The partnership received international recognition in 2023 when the World Employment Confederation awarded the REC its Leadership in Social Innovation prize for the work with Maximus on Restart.
Gareth Parry, Managing Director at Maximus, said:
“Our innovative partnership with the REC has gone from strength to strength over recent years, opening doors for thousands of Restart Scheme participants. We are particularly proud of our work together helping young people on the scheme, combining our personalised support with the REC’s employer partnerships, to create opportunities, address recruitment needs and help participants start rewarding careers.”
Read the REC statement: REC Restart Scheme records 4,000 job placements.
Shazia Ejaz is Director of Campaigns at the Recruitment and Employment Confederation, the voice of the recruitment industry.
