Two disabled women from Cheshire have finally landed their first jobs, thanks to a unique partnership between the John Lewis store in Cheadle and Remploy, which supports people who experience complex barriers to employment.
Both Francesca Martinella, 21, and her new colleague Christina Moore, 20, left school several years ago and set about applying for numerous jobs, but they both found it impossible to convince employers to give them an opportunity to work. However, undeterred, both expanded their skills and experiences through work trials and volunteering and, with Remploy's specialist recruitment services for people with disabilities and health conditions, their determination to succeed has paid dividends.
Francesca has cerebral palsy and Christina has Sotos Syndrome, a disability that affected her social and physical development in childhood.
Francesca, from Heaton Chapel, is a now a sales assistant on John Lewis's electrical department, and Christina, from Bramall, works on the china and glass department. "Being in work makes it feel as though I have a value, and I really enjoy the challenges each day brings," said Francesca. Meanwhile, having a job has helped Christina's confidence grow daily. "I have gained my independence through work, and now regard myself as equal to anybody else - it's all I ever wanted."
Remploy helped both Francesca and Christina develop their job seeking skills, write effective CVs, and provided experience of job interviews. Meanwhile, John Lewis's recruitment coordinator Amanda Mattison was working with Remploy's employment specialists in Stockport to find the right people to fill the company's vacancies.
"I have learnt that Remploy's candidates are work-ready and conscientious, which means they are ideal for a busy retailer like John Lewis," she said. "This has been a very positive experience and one we plan to roll out in our other stores in the region."
Last year, nationally, Remploy found jobs in mainstream employment for more than 7,500 people with disabilities and health conditions. Remploy will find 20,000 jobs each year for people with disabilities and health conditions by 2012.