Charity is having a signifcant impact
A new report has revealed that Social Bite’s Jobs First initiative delivers significant economic and social benefits.
Compiled by The Centre for Homelessness and Inclusion Health at the University of Edinburgh, the evaluation confirmed that for every £1 invested by Social Bite and participating employers, a social benefit of £3 is returned to the UK, while enhancing public finances by at least £0.71.
Jobs First is an innovative employment initiative supporting individuals with lived experience of homelessness and is unique within the sector in its trauma-informed and person-centred approach, providing tailored support to both employers and employees.
The independent report, which was launched at the Impact Conference in Edinburgh, outlines the significant socio-economic benefits of the programme for employees, employers, and taxpayers.
Savings are generated by reducing pressure on the UK’s public services such as healthcare, as well as lowering welfare benefit payments, in addition to increasing tax revenues from people who may have otherwise struggled to secure employment.
According to the Centre’s cost-benefit analysis, the social benefit equates to £52,697 per employee gaining employment, which is 2.9 times higher than the cost per employee. This is primarily attributed to increased economic output of £40,000 and enhanced personal well-being valued at £12,000.
The programme has enabled many employees to thrive in their roles and continue employment beyond the programme’s completion. Participants have reported gaining new skills, qualifications, expanded social networks, and increased confidence, all while earning income to secure more stable housing and break the cycle of homelessness.
Employers, including leading hospitality group Mitchells & Butlers, reported that the initiative has helped alleviate recruitment challenges, reduced hiring costs, and provided access to a pool of motivated candidates.
Additionally, participating companies have found involvement in the programme to be rewarding for staff and beneficial to workplace culture. All employers expressed a strong appetite for the programme to be expanded and replicated elsewhere.
The Jobs First programme recently marked its third year of operation and by the end of 2024 had supported a total of 91 individuals into employment with many continuing to thrive in their new roles today. All employees interviewed for the evaluation said they would recommend it to other people with similar backgrounds.
Marzena Farana-Sherlock, director of social impact at Social Bite said: “We are immensely proud of the findings from this independent evaluation by the Centre for Homelessness and Inclusion Health at the University of Edinburgh.
“Time and again, we have seen that homelessness is perpetuated by the vicious cycle where securing employment is difficult without stable housing, and obtaining housing is challenging without a job.
“This systemic issue needs to change, so at Social Bite, we took action to break this cycle in a sustainable way. Thanks to our incredible Jobs First employers, dedicated Social Bite support workers, wonderful charity referral partners, and the determination of our employee candidates, we are already witnessing remarkable outcomes that benefit all stakeholders and the UK economy.
“This is just the beginning for Jobs First. I have no doubt that its impact will continue to grow as we expand, and we would welcome an opportunity to discuss the findings with policymakers.”
Professor Sarah Johnsen, Director of the Centre for Homelessness and Inclusion Health at the University of Edinburgh, added: “Our evaluation of Jobs First has been overwhelmingly positive. It clearly shows that participants found the programme to be highly beneficial and that it was well-received by both jobseekers and employers.
“The impact demonstrated within just three years of the programme is impressive. Furthermore, our findings suggest that the ratio of benefits to costs would be even greater if all the advantages of Jobs First, including its role in reducing long-term homelessness-related costs and changes in public service use, could be fully measured.
“Jobs First employers, employees and support workers should be congratulated for their commitment to and success in the programme. It has been a privilege to hear firsthand from the employees who have taken part about how transformative Jobs First has been for their lives.”
Comfort Mensah moved to Scotland from Ghana in September 2023 and found herself classed as homeless. She soon sought help through Social Bite’s Jobs First programme her the situation improved when she found work in a Harvester restaurant in January – almost four months after arriving in Scotland. Now having completed the course while finishing her Masters at Glasgow University, Comfort’s role and support from Social Bite made it possible for her to find somewhere to call her own.
She said: “Social Bite came through. Even though it was hard at first as I didn’t have experience, they helped me through it. Having a job, earning my own money, and then finding a room was totally transformational. I never sleep well, but that first night I fell asleep before 8pm and slept right through to 8am – I’d never slept like it. Maybe this is how it is to be at peace.
“My advice to anybody in my situation is don’t give up – there is somebody out there who can help. When you meet that person, your mind will be blown by how much they will help. There is hope in humanity.”
