Pret A Manger commemorates 10-year anniversary of Rising Star initiative
The programme has reportedly given jobs to over 400 people.
Pret A Manger is commemorating the 10-year anniversary of their Rising Star programme, which aims to provide homeless people employment in their shops.
In a blog post, Pret CEO Clive Schlee says the programme has given jobs to over 400 ex-homeless individuals since its inception in 2008.
"We’ve found it to be the single most effective way to help break the cycle of homelessness – a job can give someone the stability they really need," he said.
He also discussed an idea of a shop run exclusively by the programme's graduates, which will also be dedicated in training up new Rising Stars as well.
"Our graduated Rising Stars are so proud of what they’ve achieved. They want to show what they’re capable of and become mentors to those joining our unique programme. They feel that a Rising Star shop would be the perfect place to do this. They also hope it would encourage other companies to employ more people from disadvantaged backgrounds," he added.
