3rd January 2008

Steve Cummins from Southampton had reached his lowest point when a visit to the Jobcentre put him in touch with Remploy – the UK’s leading provider of employment services for disabled people. Six months on and he has more reasons than most to be thankful of being back in work at Morrisons in Totton.

Steve, who is 51 and from Southampton, was a supervisor for an international
manufacturing organisation before being made redundant at the beginning of 2007 – but this was not Steve’s only set-back.

A series of motorbike accidents had already set Steve’s life on a downward spiral. Arthritis and mobility problems developed, followed by a heart attack four years ago. He also has severe obstructive sleep apnia, a condition which necessitates him wearing a breathing mask to sleep.

When he was then made redundant, personal problems and depression soon set in.

“I was very low when I was first put in touch with Remploy,” said Steve, “and had little faith that my life could improve. I wanted to get back to work but thought that employers would be put off by my health conditions and age.”

Steve attended a Remploy vocational development programme at Remploy’s Basepoint offices in the city centre which provided advice on job applications, interview techniques and useful tips on creating a CV. He then attended weekly job action groups to search for suitable roles.

“I gradually started to get my confidence back,” explains Steve. “I had a wonderful employment advisor, Debbie Figg, who kept me motivated and before I knew it, I was giving help and advice to the other jobseekers there!”

A vacancy arose at Morrisons. Remploy arranged an interview, and Steve pushed himself to present his skills and abilities positively. He is now a checkout operator, assisting the thousands of customers passing through the store each week.

“I’ve gained so much from just being back in work. I’ve made new friends, it’s boosted my confidence no end, and it’s really helping me put my emotional problems behind me. I’ve got a renewed vigour for my photography hobby and spending time with my grandchildren.”

On a practical level, Steve’s finances have also improved and he hopes to have a place of his own soon.

Any jobseekers with a disability or health condition interested in finding work in Southampton can contact the Remploy team on 02380 682586.

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