Published by Cornwall Development Company Printed and written by United Response Produced an as employer pack by Cornwall Works for Learning Disabilities - a Convergence programme in Cornwall funded by the Department for Work and Pensions through Cornwall Council through the European Social Fund.

1. Achieving diversity
in your business

2. an
Meet D M eet Alic
e
Age: 21
Age: 24
Status: Student
Status: Office temp
Likes: Football,
Likes: Nights in with
computer games,
her boyfriend, clubbing,
going to the pub
the gym
Dislikes: Karaoke,
Dislikes: Public
living at home
transport, rudeness
Which one has a learning disability?
Actually,
they both
do! Cornwall Works for Learning Disabilities is a supported employment
programme provided by a number of partner organisations across
Cornwall. By offering someone a job, employers enable that person to
become more independent and build their confidence.
Over 65%* of We help you find reliable, motivated and committed employees to fill
a range of your job vacancies
adults with a
We match the skills of our clients with the needs of local
learning disability employers
want a job. Our expert job coaches provide personalised support and advice to
both potential employees and to you, as the employer, to make each
placement a success.
In Cornwall, only To find out more, contact:
6.8%* have one. 01872 224005 or 07540 688 810
helen.cahalane@unitedresponse.org.uk
Help us to change
this!
www.cornwallworks.org.uk/ld
*Information supplied by BASE 2010

3. The business
case of employing
someone with a
learning disability
Low risk/low cost recruitment How long does it take for an
employee to get up to speed?
Recruiting the best employee The added benefit of this approach to
for the job recruitment is that the employee is off
The employer has a chance to test to a flying start, having already undergone
the potential employee within the job some of their induction, built up their
prior to being confidence within the job and
on the payroll. “Nicky Jones become more efficient.
And even when works with us
they are on the at Watering Reducing recruitment
payroll, CWLD Lane Nursery. costs
currently offer a We have always We can carry out appropriate
wage subsidy for seen ourselves skill/task matching of
employers. as role models potential employees to fill
for employers your job vacancies without
This means that you having to advertise.
and work
50% of wages can
closely in partnership with the Eden Did you know that staff
be funded up to a
Project. We employ people with retention rates for employees
maximum of £100
learning disabilities and everybody with disabilities are 72%
per week for up
who comes here is amazed by the higher, saving recruitment and
to six weeks. That
quality and professionalism of the training costs?
gives the employer
work that they do. This is the second
a chance to ensure A happy workforce
year running that we have supplied
the employee has means a happy employer
exhibits for the Chelsea Flower Show
sufficient time to The employer will have
It’s been a privilege working
be inducted into regular contact with the
alongside people, who despite their
the job without CWLD programme and
disability, achieve equality within
losing productivity. can receive up to six months
their lives, and do this through work.”
Ken Radford, manager/proprietor post employment support to
It also helps to for Watering Lane Nursery ensure sustainability.
ensure employers
feel supported in their decision to employ Did you know that employing
a person with a learning disability, who people with learning disabilities has been
may take a little longer embedding into found to have a distinct, positive effect
their new role, but will prove themselves on staff morale generally within the
to be a valued, reliable and responsible workforce?
employee.

4. Support in putting legislation literacy skills. In the majority of cases,
adjustments can be made at minimal cost.
into practice
In addition, there is a government
Making equality a reality
programme - Access to Work that
Not complying with the Disability
provides advice, information and grants
Discrimination Act (1995) can lead to
to disabled people and employers
heavy fines, compensation claims and bad to help overcome work-related
publicity which can have an adverse obstacles associated with disability.
effect on business. The programme may pay for a support
This places the responsibility on the worker or a piece of equipment, for
employers to ensure the workforce is example. Access to Work can pay up
both representative of the community to 100% of the costs of equipment,
and that recruitment and delivery is adaptations or support required
achieved in a non–discriminatory way. by someone who was previously
unemployed and has been in a job for
The Disability Rights Commission six weeks or under. Your Job Coach will
(DRC) helpline can provide information help you put this process into place.
to employers regarding the Disability
Discrimination Act (DDA) and can Attract a higher calibre of employee
advise on very general DDA issues. The People with disabilities make
DRC’s website sets out what employers’ better employees
obligations are under the DDA.
Employers have found people with a
learning disability to be loyal, hard-
Reasonable adjustments improve
working and highly valued employees.
your business
98% of employees with disabilities rate
average or better in work safety. 90% of
Organisations have found that employing
staff with disabilities improves the people with disabilities rated average or
efficiency of the workplace. better on job performance.
Other benefits include a strong
When making adjustments in the commitment to work, good punctuality
workplace for a person with a disability, records and low absentee rates.
you are without doubt, making it safer
and more accessible for all staff and your Be a leading employer
customers. Many employers have already led the
way and earned a reputation within
For instance, providing clear, simple their communities for being fair, equal
signage for a staff member with a employers. This earns them respect
learning disability will also mean you within the workforce resulting in
are getting your message across to more employees being attracted to
customers and staff with low English working for your business and actively
seeking employment with you.

5. Increase your competitive advantage Did you know that 52% of households
pay more attention to advertising
Be at the forefront of social and messages featuring people with
economic change disabilities?
Through Transforming the Lives of
Businesses that respond positively to
Disabled People (2005), and government,
the needs of the market in relation to
recommendations were made that
employing people with a disability could
employers should lead a campaign on the
tap into a greater market share.
business benefits of employing disabled
people.
Attitude shift encourages new
customers
Businesses that are socially responsible
It has been found that employing
are at the forefront of economic change.
someone with a learning disability has
It is a company’s values and culture
served to dispel negative stereotyping
that sets it apart from its competitors
regarding the abilities of people with
and this applies to both SME and
learning disabilities within the staff team.
larger employers. Businesses operating
in today’s market must seize every
This has a knock on effect and shifts
opportunity to develop their workforce
staff’s attitude and response to
and increase their competitive advantage.
customers with disabilities, which further
encourages spending power within your
It works for your customer base
business from disabled people and all
Customers are demanding more
that know them!
transparency and social and ethical
responsibility from the businesses where There has never been a better
they spend money.
time for the employer
A diverse and inclusive profile can
increase your customer base and make Tap into abundant support and
your business attractive to ethical and information sources
disabled consumers who have increasing Ranking highest for increasing a
spending power. Worldwide there are company’s consideration to employ
about 860 million people with a disability. a person with a disability was having
In Great Britain 6.9 million are disabled - information and available support with:
nearly one in five people of working age.
recruiting
Recent studies have focused on the hiring
business benefits of having a workforce training and re-training
job performance
that reflects the diversity of the attendance
community. For example, Pizza Hut retention
recorded measurable sale increases after how specific disabilities can impact in
hiring over14,000 people with disabilities. the workplace
possible adjustments necessary
benefits to company productivity.

6. Through the CWLD programme and other key partner agencies, employers can be
given appropriate information specific to their business and the potential employee
to promote good employment practices in recruitment, retention, training and career
development of anyone with a disability, including those with a learning disability.
“Ben is an international swimmer and has “Mark and Vicky are
a lifeguard qualification. Being a lifeguard responsible for cleaning
is something he has always wanted to be. the caravans top to tail.
After being approached by Cornwall Works They do a great job and
for Learning Disabilities, we offered Ben a we have had fantastic
work placement at Waterworld. He has just feedback from our
finished this, and we are hoping to be able to guests. They are reliable,
offer Ben employment as a General Leisure hardworking and efficient
Assistant.We have been really happy with his employees. It has been a
performance. learning experience for
Staff were a little negative about working some of our staff, who have become more
with someone with a learning disability before accepting of people with disabilities as a
they met Ben. Working alongside him, their result.
attitudes have changed The supported employment service has been
and he fits in really well excellent with Job Coaches accompanying
with the team. We were Mark and Vicky doing their job to begin with
also a little concerned to ensure they knew what to do. We would
about how Ben would recommend using the supported employment
be able to deal with the programme to any employer.”
public. They can be a
little unforgiving with Liz Coates – Accommodations Manager,
lifeguards at times, but to Perran Sands (part of Bourne Leisure)
be fair, this is a concern
we have with all our new
staff until they increase in confidence and To work out how we can
understand some of the challenges they face support you as an employer,
as lifeguards.
get in touch NOW!
The CWLD supported employment employer, get in touch NOW!
programme has been fantastic, funding Cornwall Works for Learning Disabilities
one of our qualified lifeguards, through Business Development Manager
their enabling fund, to work with Ben.They United Response
supported us in ensuring the necessary health Unit 10, Kerns House,
and safety issues were addressed and risk Threemilestone Industrial Estate
assessments carried out and have been really TRURO, Cornwall TR4 8LD
professional about maintaining contact with
us and offering support and advice to us as 01872 224 005
employers.” 07540 668 810
Maureen Trevenna, helen.cahalane@unitedresponse.org.uk
Leisure Facilities Manager, www.cornwallworks.org.uk/ld
Newquay Waterworld Leisure Complex
Cornwall Works for Learning Disabilities is a supported employment
programme led by Cornwall Council and funded by investment from the
European Social Fund Convergence programme through Jobcentre Plus

7. Supporting the
employer
Cornwall Works for Learning Disabilities What is a learning disability?
(CWLD) is a supported employment
programme delivered by a number of People with learning disabilities have a
organisations in Cornwall. It supports a large range of valuable abilities and skills. A
number of people who want to work and get learning disability is not an illness but a
paid jobs. lifelong condition that affects intellectual
and cognitive development. They share the
We believe that everyone has the right to experience of finding some things more
participate fully in difficult than people
society. For many “Ben Jarrold without learning
people, that means works with us as a disabilities.
having a paid job. Passenger Services
This means that
Having a job can make Agent and is a
someone with a learning
a real difference to very friendly, happy
disability may need
a person’s life. It can person which has a
additional support or
help someone become positive effect on the
training in order to
more independent, team. The support
do a job. However, it’s
as well as build we received from
important not to make
confidence and start CWLD Supported
assumptions about what
new friendships. Employment was put in place so that we
someone can or cannot
We work with could ensure Ben understood the training
do.
individuals to find he received and that it was pitched at the
out what they want right level for him. I would encourage any
We all have varying skills
to do, build their other employers to employ someone with a
and abilities, and people
skills and identify and learning disability.”
with learning disabilities
access opportunities Heather Sturt, Landside Operations Controller are no different. It’s also
available. We support at Newquay Airport
very important not to
people with learning assume that people with
disabilities to live full and active lives in the learning disabilities cannot learn things, they
communities in which they live. CAN!
However, they may need more time and they
“Working makes me feel more important…
may need adjustments to the usual methods
it helps me to be meeting people. I’m being
of training or induction into a job.
something I’ve always wanted to be.’’
Being someone I have always wanted to be - April 2008

8. What is Supported Our experience has shown that often,
only small practical changes are needed
Employment? to make training accessible to the people
Supported Employment places disabled we support. Often, employers we work
employees in jobs alongside non-disabled with tell us that once a person is given
workers. This follows a process of the opportunity to try out a job, their
job matching and work based training. contribution speaks for itself.
Ongoing support is available for both
We have experience in setting up work
employee and employer as needed.
placements and paid job opportunities
in a variety of different sectors and
How we work with employers environments, including catering, retail,
We help you find reliable, motivated and manufacturing, wholesale, domestic,
committed employees to fill a wide range leisure and hospitality. We are here for
of jobs. We work with you, the employer, both the employee and the employer
to find the right person for the job, to ensure that the employer gets the
tailoring your requirements to those of ongoing support they need, value for
the clients we support. money and an efficient employee for
their workforce.
We work with employers, whether
for a work placement, work trial or We find fulfilling paid employment for
employment vacancy, and support them people with learning disabilities with
to understand the needs of people with companies local to them, and in turn,
learning disabilities. they become a valuable contributor to
both the company they join and the
We work alongside the employer when community in which they live.
someone joins the workplace as some
may be reluctant about employing What can you do as an employer?
someone with a learning disability and There are some simple ways in which
need support to overcome any concerns you as an employer can support our aims
they may have. We find the answers lie to increase the employment of people
in working with an individual employer, with learning disabilities within the
rather than adopting a one size fits all workforce. We can place you in the best
approach. position to benefit from tapping into a
Supporting someone to work is not valuable source of reliable employees for
just about finding them a job. It’s about your business.
matching the right person with the right Here’s a few easy suggestions to start
employer and providing both with the you off!
support that they need to sustain the
position. This could be about practical Get in touch with the CWLD
solutions as well as changing attitudes. supported employment programme

9. and allow us to work with you. This will new staff and can work in tandem with
enable you to receive the support you traditional interviews. Many disabled
may need as an employer and tailor our jobseekers need help to perform well
service to your requirements. at interviews. They are often quite
restricting and only test interview
Nominate someone to lead on this performance as opposed to workplace
piece of work. It will allow them to performance.
develop their skills and confidence in
this area, enhance communication and A working interview is a short placement
encourage a consistent approach. of a week or so within the company
that allows a person to demonstrate
Nominate mentors or work buddies their skills and be assessed against the
for employees who undertake work selection criteria by the employer. It may
experience with your company. This is a also be extended to allow a potential
very effective way to help all people on worker to pick up the necessary skills
work placements and new staff to settle prior to assessment.
in. It facilitates social integration, helps
teamwork, encourages responsibility Consider how you conduct your
within the workforce and helps with staff recruitment and selection procedures.
development. Group interviews or telephone
interviews are not suited to many people
Consider where and how you with learning disabilities who may be
advertise vacancies. Are they going to be very capable of carrying out the job you
seen by people with a learning disability? have advertised. Look at how flexible you
When getting reliable, hard working, are with your selection procedures.
efficient staff and achieving value for
money is so important, look at ways Involve your staff in discussions about
in which you can attract this calibre of disability. You may need to provide them
employee and tap into a valuable labour with background information and raise
force. their awareness of some of the issues
involved. They may be apprehensive
Consider your job descriptions, about saying or doing the wrong thing.
person specifications and selection A little information and specialist
criteria. Are they up-to-date, accurate knowledge can help in alleviating these
and relevant? There is a wide range fears and concerns and demystifying
of anti-discrimination legislation that learning disabilities.
now makes the content of adverts very
important. If necessary, get advice from CWLD is here to offer you support in
others as to how to recruit effectively. making these moves as an employer or
can, at the very least, signpost you to the
Working interviews are an most appropriate agency that can help
increasingly common way of selecting you in making any small changes needed.

10. A small investment of your time at this stage will benefit you from being a more
accessible employer that has a solid workforce reflective of the community in which
your business is striving hard to achieve it’s competitive edge...
Who we already work with
Some of the employers in Cornwall we work with include:
McDonalds Poldark Mine
Bourne Leisure Sir Tim Rice
Cornwall Airport Ltd Bowden Derra Park
Brandon Trust Cornwall Council
The Beach Diner Cornwall People First
Gemma Brown Countryside Furnishings
Playtime Day Nursery Morrisons Supermarket PLC
Premier Inn Cornwall Partnership Trust
Renaissance Café Cornwall Primary Care Trust
Robert Owen Communities Cornwall and Devon Police
Sainsbury’s St. Austell Breweries
Trelowarren Estate Ltd White Hart Hotel
UR in Business The Range
Wyevale Garden Centre Newquay Waterworld
Miners Restaurant Watering Lane Nurseries
For further information and support, simply contact us :
Cornwall Works for Learning Disabilities
Business Development Manager
United Response
Unit 10 01872 224 005
Kerns House 07540 668 810
Threemilestone Industrial Estate helen.cahalane@unitedresponse.org.uk
TRURO, Cornwall TR4 8LD www.cornwallworks.org.uk/ld
Cornwall Works for Learning Disabilities is a supported employment
programme led by Cornwall Council and funded by investment from the
European Social Fund Convergence programme through Jobcentre Plus

11. FAQs from
employers
I have never employed anyone with How does it all work?
a learning disability. What are the For all of the employees supported by
implications? CWLD, the job coach plays a crucial role in
There are many myths and assumptions working with the employer and employee,
about people with disabilities within the providing support and on the job training.
workplace. These can include: The length of time for which support
is needed varies considerably for each
“It will take up too much time.” individual supported and the employer.
“We’re too busy here to ensure proper
health and safety.” We work alongside the person for the first
“We have too much machinery.” few weeks until they are competent and
“Our workplace has too many steps and confident to do the job. We help find natural
there are forklift trucks going around.” supports within the working environment.
“We’re not insured for that.” We gradually withdraw our support as
“The workplace is not fit for people the individual becomes independent, and
with learning disabilities.”
the relationships and support network are
It has been found that most employers find natural – the same as anyone else has in the
very few problems associated with offering workplace.
a work placement and with support from
CWLD, any initial issues are easily overcome. It may be that individuals go through your
There is no evidence to suggest that disabled usual recruitment route or that we agree the
workers are any less productive, any more details of a working interview or a specified
likely to have an accident, or any more likely work placement period prior to paid work.
to have sickness absence. In fact evidence Once the potential employee has proved
suggests that the opposite is more likely. they are able to do the job effectively, we
What is expected of the employer? support you in their transition into paid
employment within your company and
We just ask that the employer is willing to: discuss how the programme can further
Give someone with a learning disability a support you as the employer.
fair chance at proving themself as a This enables your potential employee to
valuable employee. build up their confidence and experience
Work with CWLD to provide the at no cost to you. It also means that you
environment for both the potential can see what a valuable member of the
employee and employer to do this. workforce they are, before you enter them
Have regular communication through any on the payroll. What better way to see if
work placement/trial is crucial to achieve someone can do a job then actually doing it
this, and CWLD will lead on this. for real!

12. Why should I offer someone a What sort of jobs do people
work placement/work trial? with learning disabilities want
What are the advantages for to do?
me as the employer? Many people with learning disabilities do
You may have current or future vacancies straightforward jobs that are relatively
that CWLD can support you in filling easy to learn, like filing, shelf-stacking/
with valuable, reliable employees. replenishing and cleaning. Others interact
directly with customers on the shop
Getting the right person for the right floor, or on the phones, serving food,
job isn’t always easy. Often this relies on running specific projects such as disability
a short interview and this isn’t always awareness training for staff. Some others
enough. Someone with good references, have developed full careers to supervise
a properly completed application form others, even to management level.
and good interview skills doesn’t always Many organisations, large and small, in
show you how well they will manage all sectors, now successfully employ
the job or how well they fit into the people with learning disabilities. These
existing staff team. Work placements/ include supermarket chains, local
trials can be so valuable as you will find authorities and health trusts, fast food
out whether your potential employee is outlets, horticultural nurseries, clothing
suited to the job and to your business. and fashion outlets, cash and carries,
the transport industry, universities
The person on work placement will and colleges, libraries, leisure services,
not lose their welfare benefits during a manufacturing … in fact, people with
designated trial period. You won’t have learning disabilities are working across
to fill in any tax and National Insurance the whole range of employment.
paperwork until employment is offered.
What will it cost me to receive
CWLD Job Coaches will be provided
through the process to support both
the support of CWLD?
employer and potential employee, having NOTHING! This valuable service is
matched your vacancy with people who FREE! For a small commitment of your
want to work for you! time and support, we are confident that
you will be rewarded with a beneficial
Work trials and placements have
experience and an invaluable member of
proved successful in a range of jobs and
your team.
industries, including skilled work. In the
past, over half of the jobs beginning with
a work trial have led to the candidate
What kind of preparation do I
being offered a job for the longer term. have to make as an employer?
Your business could benefit! Most employers are surprised how little
needs to be changed. If you have the

13. following, then you are nearly there! “Anna works in the laundry. We were
approached by her Job Coach to ask
A stable and friendly line management
whether we would interview someone with
structure.
a learning disability for a position we had
A good attitude to equal
advertised. We were happy to do so, but
opportunities in management and the
explained that the job would only be given
workforce and some experience in
to someone on merit and that the position
good practice.
was one which required a certain amount
A willingness to listen to the
of independence in the work environment.
employee and see what is needed.
A willingness to work with the Anna came to the interview on her own
supported employment programme. and we offered her the job. She is very
independent in carrying out her job.
We can help you check your obligations She is also very
under the Disability Discrimination Act amenable and
and how to comply with legislation. willing to help in
any way that she
can. If you need
I am worried about the image something done,
of my business and what my she will always get
customers may think. it done.
The demand for businesses and We would
employers to be inclusive not only comes encourage other employers to employ
from legal requirements that employers people with a learning disability. Our
have to meet, but from their consumers advice would be to make sure a Job
and customer base too. Research has Coach is involved to help find suitable job
shown that customers are demanding matches for the person’s abilities and that
more transparency and social and ethical the support is there for both the employer
responsibility from the businesses where and employee. “
they spend money. A public profile of Maria Thorne, Manager,
diversity can increase your customer Bowden Derra Park
base, making your business attractive
to both ethical consumers and other Give me some examples of the
disabled people who have increasing changes I might have to make
amounts of disposable income. as an employer.
The CWLD programme also offers Many employers find they do not have to
opportunities for positive media treat employees with learning disabilities
attention for being a leading employer any differently from their other workers,
within Cornwall. or if they do, the changes are easy, cheap
and minimal.

14. “We employed Philip in one of our busy Who will provide insurance cover
Tesco stores. The staff use a bank of lockers for the people on placement?
to store their belongings each shift. They
use whichever locker is available and have If the host employer cannot provide
to remember which locker they have put cover under their liability insurance,
their belongings in. This was not possible for the respective CWLD partner agency
Philip. He needed to use the same locker providing support has their own Public
each day and so, was given his own locker Liability Insurance Cover and this will
and key, which he keeps on him.” apply.
Norah Fry Research Centre, University
of Bristol How will people get to the
workplace?
Who is responsible for their For people unable to travel
safety? independently, CWLD offer
The Health and Safety Executive states comprehensive support for this with
that employers and workers must make their clients and the possibility of
sure that people are safe at work. personalised transport training for the
employee to develop the skills and
We work with the potential employee confidence in getting to and from work.
and employer to ensure the employer
is aware of the way in which a person’s Interested?
disability may affect the way they do their
job. This means that the employer has Please feel free to contact us at any time
support from the CWLD programme in to discuss the support we can offer your
making any necessary changes to comply business.
with Health and Safety legislation, and Cornwall Works for Learning
ensuring the employer has the necessary Disabilities
information to make any minor Business Development Manager
adjustments needed. United Response
Unit 10
We would share responsibility for the
Kerns House
individual’s safety with you, ensuring that
Threemilestone Industrial Estate
suitable risk assessments are in place to
TRURO
protect everyone. Employers need only
Cornwall TR4 8LD
ensure a risk assessment is done if the
01872 224 005
person’s disability changes the way they
07540 668 810
work. They do not have to carry out a
helen.cahalane@unitedresponse.
risk assessment just because a person is
org.uk
disabled.
www.cornwallworks.org.uk/ld
Cornwall Works for Learning Disabilities is a supported employment
programme led by Cornwall Council and funded by investment from the
European Social Fund Convergence programme through Jobcentre Plus

15. Supported
Employment
for people
with learning
disabilities
Cornwall Works for Learning Disabilities This may cover:
(CWLD) is a supported employment Routines – getting up early to make
programme delivered through a number sure they get to work on time.
of partner organisations across Cornwall. Planning their journey.
These include Adult Care and Support, How to behave at work.
Brandon Trust, Cornwall People First, What to wear at work.
Home Farm Trust and United Response. All Health and safety at work.
organisations involved represent national
charities who specifically work with people We recognise that people communicate in
with learning disabilities to help them make different ways and we tailor our training to
informed choices about their futures – meet people’s individual needs.
including knowing what having a job means.
Many people we support have never
We match what people tell us they worked. We help them to adjust to the
want to do with job opportunities with changes having a job will bring to them and
local employers - this could initially be a their carers. We make sure people take
voluntary position or a work placement, responsibility for using transport, getting
with the ultimate aim being for an to work on time and taking charge of their
individual to secure part time or full time working relationships.
employment,.
Vocational training
CWLD can offer suppport through the
key stages to both the individual and the Lots of people need training to do the job
employer. These can include: they want. We identify training providers
and support people to access training
Pre work training and courses to help them get a job.
vocational assessment
We work with people with learning Work placements
disabilities to find out whether they would
The next stage may be to match people
like to work, and what they would like
with appropriate work placements on a trial
to do. Pre work training covers all the
basis. Once a placement has been found, the
essentials of what work is and what it
supported employment team works with
means to have a job. These are some of
the person on specific peripheral skills e.g.
the things which many people may take
providing transport training.
for granted,but which may never have
been explored by a person with a learning
disabilitiy.

16. They also work with people to explain Getting money and the power of
what the specific job involves, usually by your earnings to change your
breaking it down into manageable chunks whole life.
or looking at tasks in a different way that The relief of being more like other
suits the person’s needs and preferred people and part of society.
way of working or learning. This work Feeling you are making something
would be undertaken by dedicated Job of yourself.
Coaches. They wanted to prove to their
employers that they could do
Moving on a good job if they were given
After a placement has finished, some the opportunity and the right kind
people may move on to paid employment, of support.
either with the original employer or
elsewhere. The supported employment They spoke of:
service helps people to assess what’s right The importance of a good and
for them and provides support in flagging approachable line manager.
up issues around benefits entitlement, Not being labelled, but having an
other funding available (e.g Access to employer who knows your needs
Work) and can signpost to other agencies and having the opportunity to
that may be able to help. discuss any problems and improve
your work.
Why is a job important for Being seen as equal to and
people with learning disabilities? the same as any other employee.
We support people to work anywhere
they want to. We have supported people Interested in giving somone an
to work in garden centres, offices, hotels, opportunity? Contact us now:
restaurants, leisure centres, airports,
charity shops and many other places. Cornwall Works for Learning Disabilities
Like everyone else, the aim is to secure Business Development Manager
employment that brings with it a sense United Response
of satisfaction and a feeling of self worth Unit 10
for the individual. Ongoing support is Kerns House
provided to the individual as well as the Threemilestone Industrial Estate
employer to ensure long term success for TRURO
all concerned. Cornwall TR4 8LD
01872 224 005
Here are some of the most important
things when getting a job for someone 07540 668 810
with learning disability: helen.cahalane@unitedresponse.org.uk
www.cornwallworks.org.uk/ld
Cornwall Works for Learning Disabilities is a supported employment
programme led by Cornwall Council and funded by investment from the
European Social Fund Convergence programme through Jobentre Plus

17. Cornwall Works for Learning Disabilites Become a Disability
(CWLD) is a supported employment
programme, funded through DWP, and Symbol employer
delivered through a number of partner
organisations across Cornwall. These include: The Disability Symbol has been
developed so employers can show
Brandon Trust their commitment to good practice
19 E&F Normandy Way in the employment and retention
Walker Lines Industrial Estate of disabled people. Although all
Bodmin, Cornwall PL31 1RB employers are bound by the
01208 72142 Disability Discrimination Act (DDA),
many further demonstrate their
Adult Care & Support.
Employability Cornwall positivity about employing and
Cornwall Council retaining disabled people.
Tresillian Building
Old County Hall In recognition of your willingness
Station Road to employ people with disabilities,
Truro TR1 3AY you could register to be a Disability
0300 1234 131 Symbol Employer. This symbol
tells people, both other potential
Cornwall People First employees and the wider audience,
The Lescudjack Centre including your existing and potential
Penmere Close
new customers that you are ‘positive
Penzance
Cornwall TR18 3PE about disabled people’ and have
01736 334857 a commitment to equality and
inclusion within your business.
Home Farm Trust
Bess Park Road The symbol is awarded by Jobcentre
Trenant Industrial Estate Plus to employers in England,
Wadebridge Scotland and Wales. Check it
Cornwall PL27 6HB out at www.direct.gov.uk/en/
01208 815614 DisabledPeople/Employmentsupport.
United Response
Supported Employment
Suite 10 Kerns House
Threemilestone Industrial Estate
Truro, Cornwall TR4 9LD
Tel: 01872 224005
Mob: 07540 668 810
Email : helen.cahalane@unitedresponse.org.uk
Web: www.cornwallworks.org.uk/ld
Cornwall Works for Learning Disabilities is a supported employment
programme led by Cornwall Council and funded by investment from the
European Social Fund Convergence programme through the Department
for Work and Pensions.