A local man’s 10 year search for a job has ended with success thanks to new Kingdom Housing Association developments in Kirkcaldy and Lower Largo.

Archie Sprunt had been unemployed for over 10 years and had almost given up hope when he landed a temporary construction job on a Kingdom development that last week became a permanent post.

Archie was given a short term contract by Allan Cairns Ltd in late 2015. The firm was impressed by Archie’s commitment and was keen to have him back on their workforce. Kingdom was able to offer support through the Fife Works team and Archie started on site last week.

Archie, 43, who lives in Ceres, Fife said: “After being unemployed for over 10 years, this job is much appreciated and will help me to move on with my life.”

Allan Cairns added: “Kingdom Housing’s affordable housing contract and the developers’ increased house sales programmes have allowed me to secure contracts with Abbotshall Homes and Lundin Homes, giving me the confidence to be able to offer Archie employment.”

Kingdom are committed to working with developers and sub contractors to help provide additional community benefits on their affordable housing projects and, through their employability project Fife Works, are able to engage with subcontractors to support them to create job and training opportunities as a result of funding from the Scottish Government’s People and Communities Fund.

Abbotshall Homes are building 15 mid market rented homes for Kingdom in Ferrard Road, Kirkcaldy, and Allan Cairns Ltd as a sub contractor to undertake the Ames taping on the site.

The Kirkcaldy project is on site and due for completion by early June 2016.

Jim Murphy, managing director at Abbotshall Homes, said: “Abbotshall Homes are pleased to be working with Kingdom to provide quality affordable housing in Kirkcaldy. It is great news that, through this work, a long term unemployed person has found a job.”

Bill Banks, chief executive at Kingdom, added: “Kingdom has a relatively large development programme and we try to ensure the housing investment not only provides additional affordable housing, but that it helps provide a contribution to the local economy. We are in the process of formalising community benefits clauses within our contracts, to help strengthen the creation on job and training opportunities for local people and this is an example of the added value that can be delivered.”

Kingdom are due to start on site soon with a further 18 new affordable houses for social rent, at Durham Wynd, Lower Largo site. The project will be built by Lundin Homes.

Alan Spence from Lundin Homes said: “Lundin Homes are proud to work with Kingdom Housing Association in the provision of new housing and the provision of additional employment opportunities in Fife.”

Kingdom receives funding assistance for its new housing projects from both the Scottish Government and Fife Council. The Kirkcaldy and Lower Largo projects will provide 33 new affordable homes at a total cost of £3.1 million. Part of the costs are met through subsidy and the Scottish Government has provided around £1.7m and Fife Council have supported the projects through £300,000 in funding. The balance of the costs are funded through Kingdom taking out private loans.

Kingdom’s employability project Fife Works receives funding assistance from Fife Employment and Training Consortium and European Social Investment Fund via Opportunities Fife, and this allows them to support employers and individuals who are looking to recruit for or enter the construction industry.

Joanne Aitken from Fife Works said: “We have had great success in the past with supporting employers in the construction industry and helping individuals gain jobs through practical training and advice.”

If any employers or individuals would like to find out more, please contact Joanne Aitken or Lynne Dunn on 01592 862304.