John Baron MP supports inclusive employment initiative

MP calls on local businesses to sign up

John Baron MP recently met Emma Gilson from ECL to discuss an inclusive employment initiative that helps adults with learning disabilities and autism achieve their dreams of paid employment. John is now urging local businesses in Basildon and Billericay to sign up and support this initiative which is a collaboration between Essex care provider ECL and Essex County Council.

ECL’s specialist Inclusive Employment team source employment opportunities for adults with a learning disability or autism across the county, as well working to change employers’ attitudes towards inclusive recruitment, matching talented individuals to meet the needs of the business, creating a successful working relationship that enables the candidate to develop their skills and achieve their goal of becoming more independent. ECL provides on-the-job coaching and mentoring for as long as is needed to ensure that both the individual and the employer have the best experience. Businesses can contact Sue Wray, ECL Inclusive Employment Business Manager, by emailing inclusive.employment@essexcares.org if they wish to get involved.

John said,

“Inclusive employment isn’t about creating a role to fit the individual, but rather about matching people with learning disabilities and autism with real job opportunities that allow them to make the most of their skills. This benefits the individuals and employers equally in a variety of ways.”

“The employee gains independence, both personally and financially, and gets a level of job satisfaction that enhances confidence and provides a sense of purpose. Employers get to diversify their workforce, benefitting from access to a wider talent pool and a reduced staff turnover. Inclusive employment candidates are usually loyal and reliable and have an infectious enthusiasm which can boost productivity and improve morale across the whole workforce.”

“I encourage all businesses in the area to become inclusive employers and see the benefits for themselves.”

Cllr John Spence (Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care at Essex County Council) said,

“For all the reasons stated above, this is about achieving a win-win – for the employer, for the employee and for society as a whole.”

One talented individual who has benefited from Inclusive Employment is Joshua, who works at Langdon Hills Golf Club as a grounds maintenance operative. Joshua has been working at the club since October 2021 and is making a real difference to the team.

Course Director, Tony Dunstan said,

“Joshua settled in as a ground’s maintenance operative exceptionally well, his timekeeping is excellent and his commitment to work is 100%. I must admit, initially we were concerned on how Joshua would integrate into the team and how we could adjust our working practices to accommodate his needs. But after the first few days it was enlightening to see how employing Joshua has bought the team closer together, he is a real asset to the club.”

Notes to Editors:

For further press information please contact:? Lucy Jenkins, ECL Communications Lead, lucy.jenkins@essexcares.org, or call 07717673992.
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If you are a local business that is interested in becoming an inclusive employer please contact Sue Wray, ECL Inclusive Employment Business Manager by emailing inclusive.employment@essexcares.org

To find out more about ECL’s Inclusive Employment Service, see www.ecl.org/inclusive-employment
ECL (Essex Cares Limited) was established by Essex County Council in 2009 as the UK’s first Local Authority Trading Company, providing care and support in South East England for residents at home and in local communities.

With over 1,000 employees, ECL supports over 50,000 people each year to live independent and fulfilling lives.

ECL is rated ‘Outstanding’ by CQC.

See?www.ecl.org??

Inclusive Employment

1. The Inclusive Employment service, called LIVE (Learning, Innovation, Volunteering and Employment) is commissioned by Essex County Council and delivered by ECL. Since April 2020 over 125 people have been supported into paid employment.
2. Focus groups carried out by Essex County Council two years ago showed that large numbers of people with learning disabilities and autism in Essex wanted support to get into work.
3. ECL’s contract for the LIVE scheme commenced on 1 April 2020 and aims to support 583 adults with learning disabilities and autism to gain and sustain work by the end of 2024 – around 290 of which are expected to be current ECL Day Opportunities customers.
4. From April 2021 adults with learning disabilities that currently access other day services, and young people who have Special Educational Needs and are leaving full time education, have the opportunity to be supported by the ECL Inclusive Employment team.

Disability Confident

Disability Confident organisations play a leading role in changing attitudes for the better. They’re changing behaviour and cultures in their own businesses, networks, and communities, and reaping the benefits of inclusive recruitment practices.
The scheme helps employers recruit and retain great people, and:
• draw from the widest possible pool of talent
• secure high-quality staff who are skilled, loyal, and hard working
• improve employee morale and commitment by demonstrating that you treat all employees fairly

It also helps customers and other businesses identify those employers who are committed to equality in the workplace.

See https://disabilityconfident.campaign.gov.uk/

The ECL team recently won the Great British Care, East of England Region Care Innovator award for successfully placing 128 adults in with learning disabilities into secure paid work in less than two years.