The Living Room venue is holding its very own ‘Suit Amnesty’ to help people who are looking for work get on to the first rung of the career ladder.Customers are being urged to raid their wardrobes and dig out suits which have been gathering dust.There will be a special rail in the Greek Street bar for people to leave their unwanted garments before they are professionally cleaned. They will be passed on to charities, such as St George’s Crypt.
The suits will help people from across the city ranging from school-leavers from disadvantaged backgrounds to homeless people who want to find themselves employment.
Martin Patterson, from St George’s Crypt, which works with the homeless, said: “We’re encouraging everyone to donate their unwanted suits.
“There are plenty of people from backgrounds who don’t have access to funds and are trying to get a job but want and need some help to get on the ladder.
“These suits will make a big difference.”
The Living Room’s general manager, David Oxtoby, added: “There must be thousands of unwanted suits gathering dust in wardrobes all over Leeds but, equally, many more people without enough money to afford to buy one.
“The amnesty was born out of the thought that those in the fortunate position of working in business could actually make a huge difference to people who are looking for jobs.
“Owning a good suit is something most of us take for granted, so to give young and homeless people a step closer towards getting on to the employment ladder is a great gift.”
As a thank you to suit donors, The Living Room, based on Greek Street, will be giving them 20-per-cent-off food vouchers.
The scheme has already started and suits will continue to be collected until Thursday, March 31.