An initiative aimed at helping unemployed women into travel and tourism jobs has been unveiled by social enterprise Women in Travel.
Working with homelessness charity Crisis UK, Women in Travel will support and train women who have been out of work but see the industry as a career option.
Companies partnering on the initiative include MTR Crossrail, Georgian House Hotel, UnderTheDoormat, digital marketers Digital Dialog and Diamondair.
Those enrolled on the ‘Women Returners’ scheme will be given a one week training course where employers can meet and interview women with the view to providing either full time jobs or short term, paid internships.
The first programme begins on January 29 and will offer women employment opportunities with the industry partners.
Companies wanting to join are asked to pay a modest membership fee that goes towards the set up and training of women.
In exchange companies enjoy benefits, including being able to display the Women Returners logo and getting free mentoring training for employees.
Competitive recruitment fees will eventually be paid when the women are fully employed.
Founder of Women in Travel, Alessandra Alonso, said: “This is a first for the industry and I am very excited about the opportunities that the sector can offer to these women who want to be economically active but have been prevented by sometimes challenging, personal circumstances.
“I am also excited about what the women have to offer to the industry. They are motivated, often very experienced and keen to demonstrate their commitment to available employers.
“So much female talent is going to waste under the radar, on the one hand. On the other, the travel and tourism industry continues to grow and needs all the talent it can get. The programme aims to put the two together so that mutual benefits can be enjoyed.”
Paul Siniecki, strategic labour needs and training manager at MTR Crossrail, added: “We recognise the importance of engaging a diverse workforce, reflective of the communities we serve. We offer high quality and sustainable job opportunities with a particular focus on attracting workless candidates.
“Supporting ‘Women Returners’ is a fantastic opportunity for MTR Crossrail achieve this by engaging with and supporting women in London back into employment.”