Employer Engagement

We work with employers to create more diverse and inclusive workplaces and to promote the business case for employing people with a learning disability for now and into the future.

We have a network of employer partners who work across multiple sectors (including entertainment, catering, administration, warehousing, catering etc). This enables us to identify and/or create work placements/vacancies aligned to people’s aspirations.

In work support

We are linked and co-located with Local Authority strategic job brokerage teams to help employers take a proactive approach to in-work support.

A dedicated Job Coach will work with the employee and employer to create a ‘Work Place Plan’ detailing the expected support the person will need from the Job Coach with the aim of this reducing over time.

Support may be daily or weekly initially however once arrangements are stable, this input may reduce to a minimum of once per month. The Job Coach will be available to employee/employer by phone/video/email/in-person or whatever means is accessible to provide ongoing support. This can involve:

  • Initial shadowing to help the person understand the role and workplace environment/culture
  • Advice, guidance and signposting for personal issues that may affect work
  • Mediating in disputes
  • Updating Workplace Plan (e.g. increasing input)
  • Identifying useful resources/response strategies
  • Supporting with Access to Work applications
  • Identifying reasonable adjustments to the workplace and practice.

Our offer includes:

  • Supporting employers to attain ‘Disability Confident’ status
  • Identifying ‘reasonable adjustments’ to facilitate working
  • Working with employers to carve out specific roles
  • Applying for ‘Access to Work’ funding to ensure people have the in-work support that they need
  • Adapting organisation’s policies and processes to be more inclusive.
  • Providing ongoing in-work support, to both employer and employee, promoting sustainment and have career progression

Are you an employer looking for support to obtain Disability Confident status?

Are you looking to adapt your internal policies and procedures to ensure they are fit for purpose in recruiting and retaining people with a learning disability?

Get in touch with Helen Smith, Employment Service Manager, to find out more at [email protected]

 

Here what our employment partners have to say about working with us!

Royal Opera House

The Visitor Experience team at the Royal Opera House has been delighted to work with Unity Works for some time. Their vision of an inclusive world where people with a learning disability can work, fully supports our vision of a supportive and engaged workforce. Unity Works drive to create employment and training opportunities for people with a learning disability is vital to ensuring that everyone has the right to work and access to work. A brilliant organisation for the Royal Opera House to work with and support.

Landmark Hotel

Unity Works is a highly specialized organisation that focuses on delivering exceptional employment support, helping job seekers find work in a variety of different fields. The Landmark London Hotel takes pride in offering customised support and guidance to the team members with a learning disability who want to work and can work. The company is dedicated to assisting individuals achieve their goals and reach their full potential in their chosen career path. Also being partners with Unity Works we are creating a mutually beneficial relationship between those seeking employment and the business looking for candidates.

Prospectus

“I met Michael [Unity Works Job Broker] and some of the Unity Works team back in November 2023 at Lambeth Town Hall, where I was there as an Employer at Prospectus. Since meeting, Michael has made a huge contribution to mine and my colleagues understanding around Disability Awareness, specifically when he came and spoke to us about Disability Awareness Training at the beginning of this year. Since then, we’ve followed this on with learning around Neurodiversity and ensuring that we have an open and honest environment when it comes to an individual’s needs and reasonable adjustments.” Lauren from Prospectus