Epping Forest MP Dame Eleanor Laing is urging local businesses to be a part of an inclusive employment initiative that helps adults with learning disabilities and autism achieve their dreams of paid employment.
The project is a collaboration between Essex care provider ECL and Essex County Council.
The Inclusive Employment service source employment opportunities for adults with a learning disability or autism across the county, as well working to change employers’ attitudes towards inclusive recruitment.
Dame Eleanor said: "Inclusive Employment isn’t about creating a role to fit the individual so that an organisation can ‘check a box’ and say that they’re an inclusive recruiter.
"It’s about matching people with learning disabilities and autism with real job opportunities that allow them to make the most of their skills. This benefits the individuals and employers equally in a variety of ways.
"The employee gains independence, both personally and financially, and gets a level of job satisfaction that enhances confidence and provides a sense of purpose.
"Employers get to diversify their workforce, benefitting from access to a wider talent pool and a reduced staff turnover.
"Inclusive employment candidates are loyal and reliable and have an infectious enthusiasm which can boost productivity and improve morale across the whole workforce.
"I encourage all businesses in the area to become inclusive employers and see the benefits for themselves.”
ECL’s specialist Inclusive Employment team matches talented individuals to meet the needs of the business, creating a successful working relationship that enables the candidate to develop their skills and achieve their goal of becoming more independent.
ECL provides on-the-job coaching and mentoring for as long as is needed to ensure that both the individual and the employer have the best experience.
Councillor John Spence, cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care at Essex County Council, said: “This is about achieving a win-win – for the employer, for the employee and for society as a whole.”
The ECL team recently won the Great British Care, East of England Region Care Innovator award for successfully placing 128 adults in with learning disabilities into secure paid work in less than two years.
If you are a local business that is interested in becoming an inclusive employer email Sue Wray, ECL Inclusive Employment Business Manager, at inclusive.employment@essexcares.org
To find out more about ECL’s Inclusive Employment Service CLICK HERE.
