Case study: Recycling centre is an inclusive employer
A 27-year-old with a learning disability was working with Norfolk Employment Service and was keen to find employment. He had support from the Skills and Employment Team to find a work opportunity.
Norse Environmental Waste Services (NEWS) are a supportive employer to the local disabled community. The team manager at their Caister site was able to offer the client a work experience placement.
Reasonable adjustments
By implementing a buddy-system and by accommodating his different needs and learning disability through reasonable adjustments, a work-place environment was created during his six-week placement. The client's skill set was nurtured and allowed to grow. An embroidered, named hi-vis jacket was a small but significant gesture that allowed the client to feel part of the team.
Commitment to diversity
During the work placement, the client was introduced to further site responsibilities including compactor training. NEWS saw the long-term work potential of the client and invested in his skill set.
As NEWS has gained further understanding of additional needs, it has continued to supported inclusivity by adapting its recruitment process. This means the client was able to by-pass traditional routes into employment. As a result of NEWS' commitment to increased diversity in their workforce, it has now welcomed a reliable, hard-working paid part-time member of the Caister site team.
"Welcoming 'D' to our Caister Recycling Centre has been part of our commitment to deliver an inclusive workforce and to recognise the qualities that each individual can bring to help us deliver the service across Norfolk. The team at Caister has been pleased to work alongside 'D' and to have him join as a permanent employee has been a really proud moment for NEWS". David Lake, Norse Environmental Waste Services