Routes to Work South won the Best Recruitment Business Award at the Lanarkshire and Renfrewshire Regional Finals of Scotland’s Business Awards.

The Cambuslang-based charity works in partnership with the council to alleviate poverty by supporting unemployed residents throughout South Lanarkshire to develop the skills and knowledge required to achieve their working aspirations, and go on to progress in their careers and sustain employment.

In doing so, they support local employers and provide a link between opportunity and need.

Stephen Barr, Chief Executive at Routes to Work South, said: “This is a fantastic achievement for the company and testament to the hard work and dedication of every one of our staff. In particular, it recognises the hard work of our Employer Services Team who excel in providing tailored recruitment solutions to businesses, connecting residents to job opportunities and supporting the local economy.

“True to our values of putting people first, this award celebrates our commitment to supporting local employers and transforming the lives of South Lanarkshire residents, and we are looking forward to continuing to do this into the future.”

The council’s Employability Manager, Douglas Hashagen, said: “The decision of the judges is based mostly on customer testimonies, and ‘mystery shoppers’ who visit the premises, so it is a testament to the continual quality of service provided by the staff, and the effective and meaningful results that Routes to Work South achieves – results that can transform people’s lives.

“We have worked closely with this remarkable charity for many years now and so we already know well what good work they do and how vital it is, but it is great to see that recognised on a wider scale. Their award was even more remarkable given that all the other shortlisted finalists were commercial recruitment businesses.”