Remploy's latest high street recruitment branch, which provides specialist employment services for people with disabilities and health conditions, has been formally opened in Bridgend by Carwyn Jones AM, First Minister of Wales.
The branch in Brackla Street first opened its doors for business in May this year and has already found jobs for 40 candidates who have experienced complex barriers to employment.
"This branch is about the people who make it work, and that includes Remploy's employment services professionals and its candidates," said Carwyn Jones. "I'm pleased to see that 40 people who have found it challenging to secure employment have now got jobs, and I'm looking forward to seeing that number significantly increase as the branch establishes itself in the town."
Amongst the guest speakers at the opening was Ceri Cook, First Assistant manager at McDonald's Cowbridge Road restaurant in Bridgend. She said: "Nationally, McDonald's is employing more and more Remploy candidates. And here in Bridgend we have two valued colleagues who just happen to have a disability or health condition. I expect that to continue to grow because Remploy candidates are reliable and loyal - in fact, they possess the qualities that McDonald's values highly."
Also speaking at the event was local man John Harris, who was one of Remploy's first success stories when the Bridgend branch opened to the public. John, 69, who worked in heavy industry for nearly all his working life decided he wanted to return to employment despite having mobility issues and being beyond the retirement age. Now working for ASDA in Bridgend, John praised Remploy for the support they provided. "They helped me create a CV - something I had never had to do before - and gave me interview training. More than anything, they gave me the confidence I needed to get back to work."
Sophie O'Kelly, Bridgend branch manager explained that Remploy works closely with employer partners and candidates to find the right person for the right job. "Remploy's mission locally and nationally is to help people to transform their lives through the social and financial benefits which a job brings," she said.
Remploy's Bridgend branch provides a range of specialist recruitment and development services for disabled jobseekers keen to return to work or enter the labour market for the first time. These include basic employment skills and vocational training, assistance with job searching, help with completing applications forms and arranging job tasters and interviews.
Disabled people from Bridgend who are looking for jobs are invited to contact Remploy's branch on 0300 456 8034.