CHIEF executives at major North-East firms have called on other companies to become involved in a programme they are spearheading to get homeless people back into work.

Software company Sage and fast-expanding bakery firm Greggs are involved in Ready for Work, the first programme of its kind in the North-East, which will provide homeless people from the Tees Valley to Newcastle with skills to get a job.

The three-year programme, which was launched yesterday, will see homeless people offered support, work placements, mentoring and preemployment training by firms.

The programme is being run by The Cyrenians on behalf of Business Action on Homelessness, and yesterday received a grant of £250,000 from the Northern Rock Foundation that will fund the majority of the project.

Carillion, Royal Mail and Marks and Spencer have also pledged their support.

Greggs chief executive Ken McMeikan said: “Even more businesses are going to have to get involved to make this work.

“I think, right now, this is so important. There has never been a moment where communities needed business leaders to do more. The country and the Government just do not have the funding to do things at a local level.

“We have to do whatever is needed to bring about the change that will transform people’s lives. It means a lot to me.

“My own opinion is that when you see Sage and Greggs it encourages others to think this is a big issue and, if we are prepared to get involved, they themselves should be involved.

“The reality is we can’t do it on our own.”

Sage chief executive Paul Walker said: “It is a massive opportunity for businesses to put up skills they have got, to go out and work with people and to help people in the community.

“It is not about governance, it is not about corporate social responsibility, it is about saying we live together and where we can help we will.”

Mr Walker also believed the programme would help reduce the stigma of being homeless for people applying for jobs.

He said: “If businesses are active in helping it reduces that predjudice.”

Cyrenians chief executive Stephen Bell said: “It makes a tremendous difference when we have partner companies who are wanting to get involved.”

Delegates at yesterday’s launch event in Elliott House, Newcastle heard a moving speech from Barry Trainor, 42, who had been a promising amateur boxer and then successful stage entertainer before falling prey to drink and drugs and losing everything, including his home.

After going through rehabilitation, he has now been in full-time employment with The Cyrenians for the past three years.

He said: “Often it takes real courage from other people who have it in their power to take a chance on someone, to look past the stigma and see someone for their real potential.”

Richard Walton, programme manager for the Northern Rock Foundation said: “This grant is the largest we have made to date in our current programme. Its scale reflects the importance with which we view this work.”