Employers invited to find out about benefits of hiring people with additional needs

West Sussex employers have been invited to find out how they could benefit from hiring people with learning disabilities.
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West Sussex County Council has organised two events where business leaders can learn about the advantages of being “learning disability confident” and the support available to make it happen.

One of the companies which will be attending is International Logistics Group (ILG), which has a site in Lowfield Heath.

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With the help of Work Aid – a national initiative which helps disadvantaged people find work – ILG offered an apprenticeship to Kyle Wakeford after the young man hand-delivered his CV and a covering letter to dozens of businesses.

Jane Middlemas, director of organisational development at ILG, said the company had been “delighted” with Kyle’s attitude and commitment.

She added: “Through the early months of Kyle’s employment Work Aid has been a huge support to both ILG and Kyle, and we are keen to continue to work with the organisation to recruit more warehouse assistants across all our locations.”

The county council laid out a list of advantages of recruiting employees with additional needs.

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As well as enhancing a business’s reputation both internally and with customers, the council said doing so would provide a company with “motivated employees who will be committed to your company” and demonstrated corporate social responsibility.

A spokesman said the county needed employers to offer supported work experiences, supported work placements and supported internships young people like Kyle.

She added: “We have examples as in Kyle where these kinds of placements have been very successful and mean that the young people involved are much more likely to lead independent and successful adult lives.

“Therefore West Sussex has decided to put on these two events in order to discuss with employers the work opportunities they could give these young people and the benefits it could mean for their businesses.”

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The events will be held at The Hawth, Crawley, on Tuesday November 10, and the Avisford Park Hotel, Arundel, on Thursday November 12. Both sessions begin at 10am. To book a place, email [email protected] quoting ‘Employer Event’.

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