Wrexham and Flintshire county councils have joined forces to help more people with learning disabilities get good quality, paid jobs.
The new Supported Employment Service is run by social services teams across the two counties, as well as specialist employment agency HfT Flintshire.
Despite many people with learning disabilities being eager to work, only 4.8% are currently in paid employment.
The two councils are determined to increase job opportunities for people with learning disabilities, and are asking local employers to help make a difference.
Councillor John Pritchard, Wrexham Council’s Lead Member for Adult Social Care, said: “We’re here to support employers every step of the way, and we take time to understand their unique business needs so we can help them find the best job matches.
“Employing someone with a learning disability can be hugely rewarding – there are lots of business benefits, and you can also make a world of difference to that person’s life.”
Councillor Christine Jones, Flintshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Social Services and Wellbeing, said: “Very few people with learning disabilities are in paid employment, and we want their potential and talent to be recognised and celebrated.
“To do this we need the support of local businesses. The Supported Employment Service is here to help employers find reliable, hardworking people while fostering an inclusive workplace.”
The service is part of a wider programme involving all six North Wales councils and Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board and is funded through the North Wales Health and Social Care Regional Integration Fund.
Benefits for employers
Hiring people with learning disabilities can benefit your business in many ways:
- They stay in their roles 3.5 times longer on average, saving you time and money on recruitment and training.
- Hiring them boosts your company’s reputation – customers appreciate inclusive businesses.
- Their absence rates are 62% lower compared to other employees.
- 72% of employers rate their performance as average, above average, or excellent.
The Oaks Care Home in Shotton is just one of many local businesses working with HfT. They employ Jake, who is a much-valued and popular member of the team.
Manager Sinead Fox said: “We appreciate Jake so much for what he brings to our company – fun, positivity, a willingness to go the extra mile, and a wonderful work ethic which shines through.
“Working with a supported employment provider like HfT has been a rewarding and easy process, and they’ve supported the employee and us as a company from the very start.
“Since we’ve employed Jake our options have changed, and we did have fears that it would be costly if any adjustments were needed, but we needn’t have worried – it has been no extra expense and with the specialist support from the job-coach it has been a smooth journey.
“They have supported us and Jake with all mandatory company training and more.”
Free support for businesses
The Supported Employment Service can:
- Help you find the right candidate to suit your business needs.
- Guide you and the candidate through every step of the hiring process.
- Support the new employee with induction and training.
- Advise you on making reasonable adjustments and applying for funding from Access to Work.
- Provide ongoing support for both your business and employee.
How to get involved
If your business is based in Wrexham or Flintshire, you can help by:
- Sharing job openings – tell us about upcoming vacancies and what you’re looking for.
- Becoming a champion – tell other employers about your experience working with the Supported Employment Service.
- Offering work trials or work experience – provide placements to see if a candidate fits your business, or to help them build skills and experience.
- Host visits – invite participants to your workplace to learn about your business and roles.
Find out more
For more information, contact Julia Hawkins, Manager of the Wrexham and Flintshire Supported Employment Service.
Julia is here to support you, and can arrange a site visit or have a casual chat to discuss how you’d like to get involved.
You can also call Julia Hawkins at HfT on 07795304758.
