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In 2019, Iestyn Grills had been unemployed for 15 years. Now, he is celebrating a promotion after three years working at Ystrad Mynach Tesco.

Iestyn, from Caerphilly, is now the store’s duty manager, having secured work at the store through an employment support programme three years ago.

While unemployed, Iestyn struggled with his health, suffering from fibromyalgia and PTSD.

The Work and Health Programme, run by employment support firm Maximus, provides community-based work experience for the long-term unemployed, as well as those with disabilities and health conditions, to help them gain skills and enter the workplace. 

Since 2015, Maximus has been working with Tesco as part of the scheme, which saw Iestyn begin working at the store on an initial two-week work experience placement in 2019.

At the end of his placement, Iestyn was offered a permanent role.

Iestyn said: “Without the support from both Maximus and Tesco I wouldn’t be where I am today. It’s the best thing that has happened to me in 15 years. It’s changed my life. 

“Completing the placement with Tesco gave me the opportunity to prove that I could do it and show myself what I could achieve.

“You’ve got to want to work to get back to work and I really did, I just needed a chance to prove it.”

Speaking of how the job has transformed Iestyn, store manager Mark Jones said: “Iestyn is a different person compared to when he first started with us, and I know he will continue to grow and progress.

“He’s always the first to arrive and the last to leave and consistently does a fantastic job.”

Mr Jones added: “I’m delighted to say that, not only Iestyn, but many of my key staff colleagues have been supported back into employment through our partnership with Maximus.

“We’ve had great success working in partnership with Maximus and will continue to do so in the future.”