Rishi Sunak has visited Just the Job Environmental Enterprises to learn more about ambitious expansion plans designed to secure the charity’s long-term future and support more people across Richmondshire.
Just the Job is a charity and social enterprise that supports adults with a wide range of abilities through practical, work-orientated therapeutic activities. Founded in 2005, the organisation has grown steadily and now operates across four sites on short-term leases. With demand continuing to rise, the charity has outgrown its existing accommodation.
During the visit, the Richmond and Northallerton MP toured the charity’s workshops and met team members taking part in activities including woodworking, gardening and other hands-on projects aimed at building skills, confidence and independence. Mr Sunak also viewed the site earmarked for the charity’s planned Big Green Build.
The Big Green Build will bring all of Just the Job’s services together on a single, purpose-built site. Planning permission has already been granted for the development, which will include specialist activity rooms, fully accessible toilets with changing facilities and flexible outdoor spaces. The project has secured a £500,000 grant from the National Lottery, with further fundraising underway to enable construction to begin.
Once completed, the new facility will allow Just the Job to expand its provision, support more people from the local community and increase opportunities to work alongside schools and other local projects. The development is also expected to create new employment opportunities and provide a more sustainable future for the organisation.
Designed as a pioneering low-carbon project, the Big Green Build will feature solar panels, a green roof, reed bed water filtration, timber frame construction and straw bale insulation.
Speaking after the visit, Rishi Sunak said: “Just the Job provides practical support that helps people build confidence, skills and independence. The Big Green Build is an ambitious and forward-looking project that will give the charity the space and facilities it needs to grow and support more people.”
Steve Biggs, manager of Just the Job, added: “The work we do is about giving people purpose and the opportunity to develop skills in a supportive, real-world environment. Seeing that work recognised and supported means a great deal to our team and the people we support. We were really grateful that Rishi took the time to visit, meet our team members and show his support for what we are trying to achieve. Our ambition is to begin developing the site in 2026 and take a major step forward for Just the Job.”
