Holiday Inn

Hotel accommodates Remploy recruits

"Remploy is a unique organisation that provides us with skilled and motivated people."

The successful initiative between Remploy and Holiday Inn Edinburgh to recruit more employees with disabilities and health conditions began when the Corstorphine Road hotel was made more accessible to disabled guests.

Remploy researched the roles available to gain an insight it could then pass on to candidates. In turn, Janet has taken an active role in encouraging disabled recruits. She talks to groups of candidates about the main skills needed and offers tips on presentation skills. Hotel visits are arranged for prospective employees and job placements and work trials are also on offer.

Janet said: "It's important for candidates to see exactly what's involved in each job and not to have any pre-conceived ideas. Any work with us is a development opportunity to move within the group."

"Remploy is a unique organisation that provides us with skilled and motivated people but, more than that, it provides its candidates and us with all the support we need. That means we benefit from a diverse and able workforce and can provide employment opportunities for people who might otherwise experience barriers."

Janet's enthusiasm has spread to four other hotels in the area which are joining forces with Remploy. The hotel staff have been given disability training and two successful open days have been organised to attract more disabled recruits.

"It's easy to get hung up on adjustments you think will need to be made before taking on disabled workers. But it often takes something very simple and can cost nothing to accommodate individual needs."