Major new business Wiggle opened its doors for business in Wolverhampton this week - bringing with it a new lease of life for some of the city's unemployed.

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The UK's biggest online cycle and tri sports retailer, moved its distribution centre to Bilston earlier this year and has been working with Wolverhampton City Council, the City of Wolverhampton College and JobCentre Plus to fill some of the 140 warehouse roles it has created.

More than 60% of participants on a special Wiggle pre recruitment course, delivered by City of Wolverhampton College and open to unemployed people, have been successful in landing jobs with the company.

The council Economic Inclusion Team's Fast Track into Warehousing programme provided some of those new recruits, including Baneshar Mookgrjee, who officially starts work with Wiggle on 17 August.

After being made redundant in 2009, and following a string of temporary and short term jobs, he became disillusioned and needed help to regain his confidence and self esteem.

Baneshar said: "The Economic Inclusion Team at the council made me realise that difficult things can happen in life but then it is really about picking yourself up and taking on a focussed approach.

"The programme really energised me and no other programme had done that.

"I really applied myself, put in some practice hours, and as a result I was able to secure a job with Wiggle."

Councillor John Reynolds, Wolverhampton City Council's Cabinet Member for City Economy, added: "Baneshar's case goes to show how effective the council's collaborative approach in delivering pre-recruitment courses alongside key partners can be in inspiring the people of Wolverhampton to help them find jobs.

"It was great to meet Baneshar and see face to face how much he is looking forward to starting his new job with Wiggle."

Wiggle Human Resources Business Partner, Suki Moore, added: "The Fast Track into Warehousing programme provided us with some very strong candidates and we are delighted to welcome Baneshar and the rest of the new workforce on board."

  • released: Thursday 6 August, 2015