Rochdale businesses urged to ‘Bridge the Gap’ to get disabled people into work

Remploy’s campaign, which is being supported by David Weir who won four gold medals at the 2012 Paralympic Games, is to bridge this gap

Disabled people in Rochdale could see their employment prospects boosted as businesses Make the Pledge on the International Day for Disabled People on Monday 3 December.

Employment services provider Remploy has launched their “Make the Pledge: Bridge the Gap” campaign to help reduce the unemployment rate of 50% among disabled people.

As part of the national event, Remploy’s Rochdale branch is inviting businesses to sign a pledge wall outside their branch in the Octagon Building, Yorkshire Street.

“We feel this would be a wonderful opportunity for our local employers to make a difference to the local community they serve,” Employment Advisor June Murphy said.

“We would be delighted if local companies and organisations could attend our event and make a pledge.

“It could be a pledge to offer a placement opportunity, a working interview, or a work trial prior to interview, anything that can help to overcome barriers.”

The event will be on Monday (3 December) and takes place from 10am to 1pm.

It is part of a national day of events, with Paralympic gold medallist and Sports Personality of the Year nominee David Weir appearing at the central event in London.

On the event, Weir said: “I am not unique and have never considered myself disabled.

“There are more than one million people in the UK like me who are talented and skilled and want to work but are unable to do so because there is a perception that their disability makes work not possible.

“Together we can do something about it.”

Tim Matthews, Remploy’s Chief Executive, said: “Improving these employment rates can be achieved through genuine partnerships with employers.

“We should take the opportunity provided by the change in attitudes generated by the Paralympics to rethink the way we view disabled people in the workplace.”

If organisations or employers would like to attend in Rochdale and make a pledge to bridge the gap, contact June Murphy on 0300 456 8063.