A new Morrisons store in Bristol has just recruited five local people with disabilities and health conditions as a result of working with Remploy's Bristol branch. Remploy provides specialist employment services to people who experience complex barriers into work, and has supported 12 people into jobs with Morrisons stores across Bristol in the last financial year. The supermarket chain decided to build on this success by asking Remploy to support the recruitment process for its new store in Hartcliffe.
Specialist employment advisors at Remploy's Bristol branch worked with a number of job seekers to equip them with the knowledge and abilities required to work in a range of roles at the store, from car park attendant to grocery assistant. Within the space of just three weeks, five people had started new jobs at the store.
54-year-old Michael Buckingham, who has sleep apnoea, was one of the five to benefit from the partnership. Michael had been out of work and claiming benefits for almost a year before a disability employment advisor at Kent Street Jobcentre Plus referred him to Remploy.
"My confidence was very low when I first visited the branch, but the training helped to build it back up and made me feel ready to get back into the world of work," he said.
"I've lived in Hartcliffe for 45 years, so when I'm working I see a lot of people I know and it's helping me to feel part of the community again. The hours suit me and the people are great - but I honestly think if it wasn't for Remploy I wouldn't be working today."
Rodney Barber, Richard Powell, Emma Blake and Denise O'Keefe are progressing equally well in their new roles.
"I was impressed with the calibre of the candidates put forward by Remploy," said Anna Trethowan, recruitment manager at the store.
"They have all settled in well, have great attendance records and are keen to get on with their jobs. We will certainly work with Remploy again and are currently discussing work trial opportunities for other Remploy candidates."
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