James Hall & Co helps to create a workwear bank for people in Preston

James Hall & Co has supported the creation of a workwear bank through its involvement with Preston’s Community Gateway Association (CGA).

Left to right: Emily Bingham, recruitment coordinator at James Hall & Co, with Sian Coulton, Kirstie Sherrington and Millie Cottam from Preston’s Community Gateway Association.

Staff at the wholesaler’s head office and distribution centre have donated several wardrobes worth of good-quality second hand clothing, and the CGA’s residents and tenants can get the workwear for free at drop-in sessions and pop-up job clubs organised by the CGA. Also available are job advice, training and help from the CGA’s specialist employability team on CV writing.

Emily Bingham, recruitment coordinator at James Hall & Co, commented: “I’m absolutely delighted that colleagues have really put the effort in to support our clothing drive and create a workwear bank.

“The cost-of-living crisis has affected everyone, but especially those who find themselves unemployed and searching for work.

“Having the appropriate clothing for an interview or first few weeks of work can be an added stress to those who are already feeling the stretch and leave them with a sense of worthlessness.

“It’s a great feeling to know that through our efforts, we can help address this issue and encourage people to attend interviews or even their first day.”

In addition to the workwear bank, James Hall & Co supports Preston’s CGA with donations of food to its Purple Pantry store, where CGA residents and tenants can access heavily discounted food through a token purchasing scheme.