The JobsPlus project, which supports residents into work on the Grange Estate in East Finchley and nine other sites, has been shortlisted for a prestigious national employability award. The programme is among the finalists in the Innovative Employment Support category at the 2026 ERSA Employability Awards, one of the UK’s leading celebrations of employment support services.
Delivered as part of the national JobsPlus pilot programme and through The Barnet Group’s BOOST team, the East Finchley service provides intensive, community-based employment support for residents living on and around the Grange Estate. Based at Tarling Road Community Hub, JobsPlus helps local people build confidence, overcome barriers to work, improve their employability skills and secure sustainable employment. Support includes CV writing, job search assistance, interview preparation and tailored one-to-one advice.
What makes JobsPlus different is its neighbourhood-focused approach. Rather than expecting residents to travel to employment centres, the service is embedded within the local community, making support more accessible and responsive to individual needs. The programme also offers financial incentives to encourage and sustain employment, including a £400 back-to-work bonus after eight weeks in a new role, providing they earn at least £640 a month. According to the programme, 80% of participants remain in work for at least three months.
The shortlisting of all ten JobsPlus services recognises the impact it is having across the country. JobsPlus helps local residents access opportunities, improve their prospects and achieve long-term employment outcomes. Winners of the ERSA Employability Awards will be announced at the organisation’s annual conference on 25 November 2026.