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 100+ 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 helen.smith@unityworks.org.uk

 

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.

Pines and Needles

Since our partnership with Unity Works began in 2018, we have cherished the connections we have formed with our exceptional Unity Workers. Their role as sales assistants in our Christmas tree stores has had a profound impact on our business. We have witnessed the growth of long-term, returning Unity Workers, as well as the development of dedicated and passionate staff members. The effectiveness of many Unity Workers can be attributed to their meticulous work ethic and genuine enthusiasm for tasks at hand. Their contributions have not only enhanced our operations but also fostered an environment of efficiency and inclusivity. We take great pride in our collaboration with Unity Works, as it exemplifies the transformative potential of diversity and inclusivity in our business.