Working with Derwentside Employment Team, Malcolm Driver, Manager of The Fountain helped a local couple get their lives back on track again when he gave them both a job in his newly refurbished pub.
Malcolm Driver, Manager of The Fountain helped a local couple get their lives back on track again when he gave them both a job in his newly refurbished pub.
Marie and David Flory found themselves out of work in October 2005 when they were both made redundant from the caravan park they managed together in Allensford.
Marie Flory had been off sick since September last year when she injured her shoulder, she said “I was feeling really down, but became more hopeful after seeing David from Consett Jobcentre who discussed the back to work support and incentives I was entitled to”. Not long afterwards Marie was offered a position in the kitchen alongside her husband David who started at The Fountain as Head Chef the week before Xmas.
Maureen Dick from Derwentside Employment Team, supported the couple when they first started work, “I helped with the expense of grocery shopping and Council Tax until they received there first wage to ensure that the transition from benefits to work was as smooth as possible” she added “ It was just great to see them get there lives back on track”.
Derwentside Employment Team also helped Philip Scott get his first ever job, when Maureen approached Malcolm about further positions at the Fountain. Philip had to leave mainstream school when he was 14 due to leaukemia, and needed a supportive employer to give him a chance whilst understanding his condition. Malcolm decided to take Philip on part time at first, increasing the hours at Philips pace.
David, Marie and Philip still enjoy working at the Fountain. David is complimentary of his boss, “Malcolm is a fair employer, he’s hands on and it’s a really friendly place to work” he added “You can be open and honest, everyone gets on and it’s also a great place to socialise”
Marie’s life has changed since starting at the Fountain “I now have a social life as well as enough money to go shopping”