22-07-2025
New scheme to boost employment for people with disabilities
The Supported Employment Service is designed to help people with learning disabilities secure paid, meaningful work.
Currently, just 4.8 per cent of people with learning disabilities are in paid employment, despite many wanting to work.
It is a joint project led by Wrexham and Flintshire County Councils alongside specialist agencies like HfT Flintshire.
John Pritchard, lead member for adult social care at Wrexham Council, said: "We're here to support employers every step of the way, and we take time to understand their unique business needs so we can help them find the best job matches.
"Employing someone with a learning disability can be hugely rewarding – there are lots of business benefits, and you can also make a world of difference to that person's life."
The service offers tailored support to employers, including help with recruitment, induction, training, and advice on reasonable adjustments in the workplace.
It also provides ongoing support to both businesses and employees for as long as it is needed.
Christine Jones, Flintshire County Council's cabinet member for social services and wellbeing, said: "Very few people with learning disabilities are in paid employment, and we want their potential and talent to be recognised and celebrated.
"To do this we need the support of local businesses.
"The Supported Employment Service is here to help employers find reliable, hardworking people while fostering an inclusive workplace."
The scheme is part of a wider project involving all six North Wales councils and Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, funded through the North Wales Health and Social Care Regional Integration Fund.
The service also helps businesses access funding through the Access to Work programme.
The Oaks Care Home in Shotton is one of the businesses already working with HfT and currently employs Jake Vernon.
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Manager Sinead Fox said: "We appreciate Jake so much for what he brings to our company – fun, positivity, a willingness to go the extra mile, and a wonderful work ethic which shines through.
"Working with a supported employment provider like HfT has been a rewarding and easy process, and they've supported the employee and us as a company from the very start.
"Since we've employed Jake our options have changed, and we did have fears that it would be costly if any adjustments were needed, but we needn't have worried – it has been no extra expense and with the specialist support from the job coach it has been a smooth journey.
"They have supported us and Jake with all mandatory company training and more."
Employers based in Wrexham or Flintshire who are interested in getting involved are encouraged to contact the Supported Employment Service for more information.
