Natalie Cutsforth

Natalie Cutsforth works as Agency Coordinator at A4e Hull and is featured in the second episode of Benefit Busters aired this Thursday August 27th on Channel 4. She has answered a few questions on her role and what working at A4e means to her.

What does your role as Agency Coordinator at Hull A4e involve?

The role involves developing and managing relationships with local recruitment agencies with who we want to place our clients in employment through. When it comes to clients I have to make sure they are prepared and have all the correct details needed to start working. It is vital that our clients are placed in sustainable roles so it is important that I ensure everything possible is done to give them the best chance of staying in employment. It’s all about looking at new ways to market ourselves to agencies and employers so our clients gain new opportunities.
 

What skills do you need to succeed in the job?

I need to be approachable and clients need to trust me. It’s important to always follow through with any promises you make. Honesty is key for both dealing with the agencies and clients. Motivation and passion are vital as I deal with a lot of negativity so I always have to bounce back and try again.

What issues do you think in particular affect unemployed people in Hull?

Hull has been hit hard by the recession and businesses are closing down everywhere. As with anyone who has been long term unemployed our clients suffer from lack of confidence and motivation. Something as simple as providing a bicycle to a client for them to get to work can make a huge difference. Unfortunately living on Benefits has become part of the culture in Hull and it is difficult to work to overcome barriers that have been built up over a long time.

Can you suggest anything you think would help people back into employment in Hull?

Hull needs earlier Bus routes out to the industrial estates to drop workers at the busier factories and warehouses. I think that more training and general information needs to be made available to us regarding the amount of benefits clients receive and what help financially they are entitled too. This would mean that rather than referring them back to the job centre to work out if a job is financially worth taking for the client we would be able to do that.

What successful clients have you come across and does anyone stand out for you?

The first person I placed with a local factory following one of my inductions. He struggled with his reading and writing so I helped him fill out  forms and prepare for a test. He got the job and he was over the moon. He still visits me 5 months on and he is really happy. When he got his first pay packet he came in to show me his new trainers. I believed in him and I really think that counted for a lot.

How does it affect you when people struggle or cannot get work?

If the reasons are genuine it is really important to keep their spirits up, I can’t be despondent or show any disappointment because they are usually upset themselves. If the feedback I get from the employer following the interview is negative I sit and have a one to one with the client and discuss what went wrong.

What was it like having the cameras follow you?

I know it sounds cliché but I didn’t realise they had filmed me as much as they had. The crew were lovely and sometimes I’d be chatting away and then suddenly think that camera has been on me the whole time.

What does Improving Peoples Lives mean to you?

To me improving peoples lives can mean anything from helping someone to see something differently to helping them get a work opportunity in turn changing their whole families lives. Everything we do in and out of work has an impact on the people around us. I try my best every day to treat people how I would like to be treated, speak honestly, believe in them and help in any way I feasibly can.