Employment Advice

Through Unite the Union we are fully accredited to help and represent individuals with employment related problems such as unfair dismissal, victimisation or discrimination at work.

Work Experience Programme

Offers beneficiaries a choice of practical work experience with either CASA Bar/Venue or the CASA Bistro for a minimum period of two weeks. The individuals will be supervised by fully trained staff and shown the basics of bar-staff management, food preparation and hygiene and working with the general public. All beneficiaries will be given the option of taking an online accreditation or workplace NVQ at the end of their work experience.

The Initiative Factory/CASA traces its origins to the Liverpool Dockworkers Dispute, and that heritage continues to shape the organisation's commitment to fairness and justice. Rooted in the belief that every worker deserves dignity and respect, the organisation has grown from that founding struggle into a broad community resource serving Merseyside residents. Its work remains guided by the principles established in the aftermath of the dispute, ensuring that the aims of promoting fairness and justice are carried forward through practical support, advice and advocacy. This founding purpose informs every service offered, from employment guidance to community programmes, keeping the spirit of solidarity alive for new generations.

Employment advice stands at the heart of the organisation's services, offering individuals clear and reliable guidance when they face difficulties at work. Through accredited partnerships, the organisation is able to help people understand their rights and navigate challenging situations such as unfair treatment, victimisation or discrimination. The aim is to empower workers with the knowledge and confidence they need to assert their entitlements and seek proper resolutions. By providing this support, the organisation continues its mission of advancing fairness and justice, ensuring that no one has to face workplace problems alone and that every individual is treated with the respect they deserve.

Beyond employment support, the organisation offers practical work experience opportunities designed to build confidence and skills for people seeking to re-enter the workforce. Beneficiaries have the chance to learn hands-on skills in a real working environment, guided by trained and experienced staff. Participants are introduced to the fundamentals of their chosen area, including customer service, food preparation and hygiene, and working effectively with the general public. This programme reflects the organisation's broader commitment to relieving hardship and advancing education, giving individuals a meaningful stepping stone toward future employment and helping socially excluded residents regain their footing.

The organisation operates as a multi-purpose community venue, combining its advice and support services with a bar, bistro and function space that together sustain its wider mission. Income generated through these activities helps fund the various projects and programmes delivered on behalf of the community, from capacity building and ICT training to support for refugees and asylum seekers. The venue also serves as a gathering place where supporters, members and local residents can come together, reinforcing the sense of community that has defined the organisation since its founding. In this way, every aspect of the operation works in harmony to uphold the values of fairness, justice and solidarity.