'We love to work - given a chance!' (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

'We love to work - given a chance!'

12:01am Monday 16th June 2008

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Employers across the district are being encouraged to provide more opportunities in the workplace for people with learning disabilities.

Learning Disability Week, which runs until Saturday, aims to raise awareness of low levels of employment for people with a learning disability.

Nationally, only one in ten people with a learning disability is in employment.

The main barriers are a lack of training, support and employers' attitudes, so as part of the awareness week Bradford District Care Trust is publicising how it can help employers make their workforce more inclusive and how people with a learning disability can boost their chances of employment.

The Trust's supported employment team excels in supporting people with a learning disability into work and is confident even more can be done.

"Many people with a learning disability can work, want to work and have the right to work," said Maxine Kneeshaw, project manager at the Care Trust.

"We assist the individual to do this through training, skills-matching and support with job applications and interviews.

"We even visit the workplace first so we can learn the job and tasks involved, followed by a risk assessment to ensure the individual is working in a safe environment."

The supported employment team keeps in contact with employers to monitor progress and evaluate if further training is required. There is a six-month review to assess both the employer and employee's needs.

Joanne Tetley and Chris Kershaw are two people with learning disabilities who are in employment in the district.

Joanne, 29, has worked at Tiffin Sandwiches for two years and Chris, 40, has worked at McDonald's in Ingleby Road, Girlington, for seven years.

For them being in paid employment brings a feeling of being included, a sense of achievement, the opportunity to make friends and independence.

Joanne, who helps prepare sandwiches, said: "This is my first paid job and I love it.

"I had to learn to travel so I could get to work. I did this with the help of supported employment. They also trained me to do my job until I could do it by myself. I have made a lot of friends at work and my confidence has grown."

Douglas McLean, director at Tiffin Sandwiches, said: "At first people were unsure about working with a person with a disability and Joanne was very nervous.

"However, she is treated like any other member of the team. It's been a two-way learning curve and has created a positive effect on our staff.

"Her attendance and commitment is excellent. You can tell she enjoys coming to work. I would definitely encourage others to employ people with learning disabilities and give them a chance, as they have many valuable skills and abilities."

Chris, who is a customer care assistant at McDonalds, said: "I love working here. One of the best things is the money. I spend my wage on holidays and taking my girlfriend out.

"Since I started some of my tasks have changed, but the supported employment team came and helped me to learn the new parts of the job and I picked them up really quickly."

Nick Howden, business manager at McDonald's, said: "He is very reliable. I can't remember him ever phoning in sick.

"It's important to look at the individual and give people opportunities."

l Anyone with a learning disability over 18 within the Bradford Metropolitan area can be referred or self-refer to supported employment. Call (01274) 321480 to find out more.

Any employers interested in the project or who require any further information should call supported employment on (01274) 321480.

e-mail: claire.lomax@telegraphandargus.co.uk

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