21st March 2007

A pioneering partnership between Royal Mail and Remploy – the UK’s leading provider of employment services for disabled people – is set for a national rollout following a tremendously successful pilot programme in the south east.

Over the past year, 32 Remploy candidates with disabilities or health conditions have been employed as postal workers. Eleven are based at the Jubilee Mail Centre in Hounslow, while candidates have also been placed into administration, sorting office and delivery roles. The scheme is now being extended to Essex, Chelmsford, Chiswick and Guildford, prior to a national rollout in April.

Mike O'Donovan, Mail Centre Manager at the Jubilee Mail Centre has first hand experience of working with Remploy.

“I have been overwhelmed by the calibre of the candidates put forward by Remploy,” said Mike.

“Without exception, they have proved to be reliable and hard working employees who have immediately integrated into the team. Many people’s perceptions of disability have been turned around by working with Remploy and it’s great to know that the partnership will now be rolled out nationally.”

This year, Remploy will find 5,600 jobs for people with disabilities and health conditions in mainstream employment. This project is the first time that Royal Mail has worked with a specialist disability employment provider. Crucial to the success of the pilot has been Remploy’s understanding of what Royal Mail requires from prospective employees and then carefully selecting people who can meet those standards.

Remploy sourced and matched candidates to the vacancies available at Royal Mail, attended initial interviews, arranged site visits for the candidates and handled all required security checks. All suitable candidates then spent an afternoon voluntarily working in the role to familiarise themselves with the demands of the job and the working environment.

Rachel Chambers, who has spinal and nerve damage, was one of the first disabled candidates to be recruited to the Jubilee Mail Centre in Hounslow. She is now celebrating her first year in work and believes she would still be unemployed without this partnership.

“I was astounded by the support and encouragement of both Remploy and Royal Mail,” she said. “Working has changed my life. I now have a purpose and a reason to get up each morning. I have regained confidence and met some terrific friends and colleagues. The national rollout of this partnership cannot come soon enough for other able and determined job seekers with disabilities.”

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