TESCO

CDG has provided jobseekers to the Finchley branch of grocery and general merchandise retailer Tesco for some time. Suru Pandiri, Tesco customer service manager, has managed them for the last year and is delighted with their contribution.

Suru Pandiri: ‘I’ve mostly worked with Colette Martin from CDG’s Finchley centre but also some of the staff at CDG Tottenham. In May 2010, Colette came into our store with a colleague and approached me.

"CDG conducted a fire risk assessment and a safety assessment at the store, and we spoke about the placement scheme and what opportunities it would bring for the jobseeker.

“I was clear about my expectations and CDG’s staff explained more about what their charity does. I wanted people who could do the job while being customer focused and friendly with our customers. Our staff have to be able to speak English and should have a certain level of numeracy because they are working with tills and the pricing of products.

“CDG screens its jobseekers very well, and that’s one of the things I have been pleased with. They have definitely met my expectations, and I have employed around twenty people on a part time basis, who have gradually moved into full time employment as their hours have increased.

“We have been so happy with the quality of the people CDG has provided. It’s a great tool for us because we can see what people are capable of and stretch them. A couple of the jobseekers are already team leaders and are looking to become managers next.

“The relationship is very professional. Colette rings me every week and I update her on what’s going on. We are doing great work for the local community, and I definitely envisage the relationship continuing: I have great respect for CDG and what it does.”