A 46-year-old Sunderland man, who has clinical depression, has finally secured work after more than 200 unsuccessful job applications.
Andrew Murton has just been employed at his local Asda store and says his health has improved immeasurably since he started his new job.
Following almost three years’ unemployment, Andrew now works on the butchery counter at Asda’s Boldon store. He has benefitted from the services of Remploy which, from its specialist recruitment branch in Sunderland, provides employment support for people with disabilities and health conditions. He credits Remploy with helping restore his self-belief and says that just having a job has led to a dramatic improvement in his health.
“Out of all the jobs I applied for by myself, only about 20 employers bothered to respond,” said Andrew. “It was so disheartening and, thinking I would never succeed, my depression spiralled. Remploy’s approach was different; they took the time to understand the issues I faced, and together we planned a way out. The results now speak for themselves!”
With Remploy’s support, Andrew enrolled on courses to improve his numeracy and literacy. Successfully acquiring City & Guilds qualifications in maths and English, he is now working towards gaining IT recognition.
“Improving my skills and self confidence was the turning point,” he added. “Remploy helped me write an effective CV, gave me experience of handling job interviews and encouraged me to believe in myself. Everything then happened at lightning speed - they pointed me towards this job with Asda, I took all the tests and passed them with flying colours! I was then interviewed and received a phone call from Asda later the same day saying I had got the job - and it was such a tremendous boost!”
Andrew is now working full time and has made new friends, including customers at the store.
“I enjoy being part of a busy department within Asda, and chatting to the people I serve. However, I really do believe that without Remploy’s support, I would still be at home and worrying about my future. Because Remploy and Asda believed in me, I now believe in myself, and that’s made all the difference.”