New figures published today show Richmond Council’s employment support service has helped more than 1,200 residents access training, career support and sustainable local job opportunities since it launched in 2020.
The Richmond Work Match Annual Report 2025/26 reveals the service has engaged 1,236 residents, supported 872 into training and helped 337 residents secure sustainable employment – at a time when employers across the country continue to face challenges recruiting and retaining the skilled workforce they need.
Councillor Phil Giesler, Lead Member for Business and Growth, said: “Richmond has one of the strongest local economies in London, but we cannot take that success for granted. If our borough is to continue to thrive, we must ensure local people have the skills, training and opportunities they need to succeed in a changing economy.”
The report highlights Richmond Work Match as a key part in delivering the Richmond Growth Plan, launched by the Council earlier this year, which sets out a bold long-term vision for inclusive, sustainable growth across the borough.
Councillor Giesler continued: “Richmond Work Match is a practical example of that ambition in action. Over the past five years, it has helped residents move into training and sustainable employment, while giving local businesses access to the skills and talent they need.
“Our growth plan commits to growth that benefits everyone. That means creating better jobs, improving incomes, supporting rewarding careers, and helping people who face barriers to staying in work because of health conditions or caring responsibilities.”
Richmond Work Match provides free employment support, advice and guidance to Richmond residents, while also offering local businesses a free tailored recruitment service. The team works with residents on resumes, applications, interview preparation and confidence-building, and supports employers by advertising vacancies, vetting candidates, creating shortlists and arranging interviews.
The annual report also shares the experiences of residents who have moved into work with support from Richmond Work Match. One resident who used the service after graduating and again following a career break described the service as “supportive and confidence-building”. Another resident who had previously applied for several jobs said they were now enjoying a new role with the Royal Mail in Teddington after turning to the service.
Local employers have also praised the service. Richmond AID described Work Match as “easy and efficient”, Code Cadets said the team made recruitment “smooth and stress-free”, and Richmond Housing Partnership highlighted its role in helping employers reach local people and widen access to opportunities.
The impact of this work was also reflected at Employ Richmond 2026, held by the Council in June, which brought nearly 500 residents and 30 local organisations together to explore recruitment, career support and training opportunities.
Building on its fifth anniversary last year, Richmond Work Match continues to expand its support through Connect to Work helping residents who face barriers to staying in work because of health conditions or caring responsibilities access tailored employment support.
