Medical device manufacturer Paxman has become the latest employer to sign up to a job scheme helping people with experience of homelessness get back into paid employment.

Huddersfield-based Paxman – which pioneers scalp cooling technology for chemotherapy patients – has joined the Business Building Futures programme, founded by Cleckheaton-based charity The Howarth Foundation.

The programme works with people who have experienced chaotic lifestyles, rough sleeping and homelessness to source suitable and secure employment opportunities to help them make a positive contribution to society.

Paxman has created a maintenance role ready to be filled by a suitable client through The Howarth Foundation.

Richard Paxman, CEO at Paxman, said: “When we met with The Howarth Foundation earlier in the summer we were very impressed and inspired by the work the charity does.

“Our senior leadership team agreed unanimously that creating a job role to support the Business Building Futures programme was an important thing to do and that we should go for it.

“It is so important to give people opportunities in life, and if our business can do that for someone when they are most in need, we will get behind it without question. 

“Work, friends and colleagues and having sense of purpose are all so important to getting back on your feet starting a new life. I really hope we can do this for someone and more people in the future.”

Mayor of Kirklees learns about how The Howarth Foundation is helping homeless people get their lives back on track

Rachael Hepworth, partnerships manager at The Howarth Foundation, said: “We are delighted and so grateful to the whole team at Paxman for getting behind the Business Building Futures programme.

“The role they have so kindly created will help support one of our clients to take that all important step back into employment and give them a second chance at life.”

Since launching, The Howarth Foundation has helped secure employment for more than 30 people through its Business Building Futures programmes. Other business members include Kirklees Stadium Development Ltd, Howard Civil Engineering and Leeds United FC.

For more information about The Howarth Foundation’s Business Building Futures scheme, visit www.howarthfoundation.org or email rachael@howarthfoundation.org.