11th March 2008

A disabled Plymouth man is celebrating finding a new job as a postman after spending nearly three decades working at his local Remploy factory.

49-year-old Keith Templeton, who is profoundly deaf, had worked at the site on Prince Rock Estate since 1978, originally as an assembly operator and more recently as a stores person/leading hand. When he learnt that the site would be closing as part of Remploy’s modernisation programme, he approached his factory employment advisor, Fiona Rumney, for support in finding alternative employment.

“I was looking for something close to home, with a reputable company, that would give me a bit of variety,” said Keith.

Fiona identified the vacancy for a post person with occasional driving at Royal Mail’s office in Plympton and supported Keith in completing the online application and assessment. Keith then attended key skills training at Remploy’s city centre recruitment branch on Armada Way to help boost his confidence and interview skills.

Keith was delighted to be offered the role and began his induction at the end of February. Remploy and Royal Mail are continuing to work together to provide sign language support for training and team meetings and find solutions to any practical barriers Keith may experience in the workplace.

“Keith was trained by another deaf employee and has had no problems making the transition so far,” said his manager, Gillian Blandford. “He’s progressing really well and, having completed the induction period, is now carrying out his duty on his own.”

“The things I’m enjoying most are meeting new people and getting out in the fresh air on a daily basis,” said Keith.

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