Case Study: On-site career support following a site closure

A leading multinational packaging organisation – offering sustainable, plastic-free packaging, integrated recycling services, and sustainable paper products – decided to close down one of their UK-based operations units.

The unit consisted of 140 production workers and 8 managers comprising 3 consultation groups – unionised, non-unionised and management. The plan was to inform the first group in January for mid February exit, with the remainder going in groups during April/May 2023.

Being keen to provide support to every impacted employee, the client was looking to partner with an organisation who had extensive experience of providing onsite outplacement support, ensuring that those impacted by this closure could secure alternative employment, set themselves up as self-employed or pursue a lifestyle change. 

The solution

Right Management was appointed to work with the client to provide onsite support. Initially Union and Employee representatives were briefed so they understood the support being provided.

Each employee, whether working on day or night shift, was then given access to the following:

• Employee awareness meeting: providing an understanding of what outplacement support is; how it helps and to answer any immediate questions.
• Individual 1:1 diagnostic session: enabling employees to take stock and consider their next steps.
• 1-2-1 Career Coaching sessions: providing each employee with a safe and confidential space where they could explore their options, discuss any concerns, and create a plan for moving forward into a new role, with an experienced and highly qualified Career Coach.
• 1-day Career Transition Workshop: offering expert insight into creating an impactful CV and covering letters for prospective job applications. Attendees were also offered job search and interview preparation advice to help them approach the job market with confidence.
• Access to our online career platform: where employees could benefit from a wealth of online tools and resources designed to support their job search. They could also find and access job opportunities directly through the platform, as well as self-reflective surveys to best understand what they wanted from a job moving forward.
• Job search and market connections: including visibility of local jobs; introduction to local recruiters; onsite career fairs; spotlight employer events; vocational training options; and direct access to live jobs via ManpowerGroup.
• Onsite drop-in centres: for coaching, job search support, CV writing and application form assistance.

The impact

Support was extremely well received, with 100% of employees citing satisfaction with their career transition workshop.

Their dedicated coach, Ken Manley commented:

"It was a pleasure working with the team. They were all keen to learn and take on board the support I provided to help them write a CV, increase their job search ability, and improve their interview techniques. At the end of the project and following the site closure, I’m extremely pleased to say several of the team had new jobs to go to immediately and the remainder were confident in securing a new role.”

Employee feedback:

“Before your coaching I never even had a CV. Now I have one that will massively help me with my job search.”

“Brilliant – I’ve learned a lot about CVs, how to find jobs and interview skills. Thanks!”

“This support has really helped in my search for another job.”