Café Arlington, whose coffee shops are staffed by the homeless and unemployed, is hoping to find work experience placements and trainee roles for some of its staff within the hospitality sector.

The Café Arlington concept was created by Novas Group, a charity which works with more than 20,000 people a year in England.

Novas currently operates three Café Arlington sites in London and in each of them, 50 per cent of staff are socially excluded individuals such as ex-offenders, the homeless, women escaping violent partners and those experiencing alcohol or drug issues.

Through Café Arlington and other initiatives allover the UK, Novas attempts to help and enable such people reconnect with society in a positive, long-term way.

Profits made from the cafés – which offer organic and Fair Trade products – are chanelled back into Novas’ schemes.

A fourth Cafe Arlington is due to launch in London Bridge in January and a further site is planned for Liverpool.

The company eventually aims to open around 10 outlets in the UK within the next three years. Details: www.novas.org