Home / Business and Economy / From Collapse to Comeback: Social Enterprise Rises Anew
From Collapse to Comeback: Social Enterprise Rises Anew
1 Mar
Summary
- UK's oldest social enterprise, Clarity, collapsed leaving many unemployed.
- Former owner faced fraud charges for stealing workers' pensions.
- New social enterprise Amplify Goods offers jobs to vulnerable groups.
Founded in 1854, Clarity, the UK's oldest social enterprise, known for making soap, collapsed five years ago. This collapse resulted in over a hundred workers losing their jobs and owed wages, with a significant shortfall in its pension fund contributing to its downfall.
The former owner faced allegations of stealing workers' pensions and even sued employees who spoke out. The Pensions Regulator charged him with fraud, but he died before the case concluded. This marked a significant loss for the disability sector.
However, a new venture, Amplify Goods, has been launched by former Clarity employees. This social enterprise provides paid work experience at the London living wage. Its focus is on supporting homeless people, disabled individuals, and prison leavers, aiming to rebuild confidence and offer pathways to employment.
Amplify Goods operates as a business with a social purpose, donating over half its profits to good causes. It has already helped individuals like Yusuf Hussein transition back to work and secure stable housing and employment. The business prioritizes people seeking work at its core, rather than solely focusing on rapid sales.
