Chelmsford MP impressed by ECL Inclusive Employment in action
Member of Parliament for Chelmsford, Marie Goldman got to see first-hand the benefits of ECL’s Inclusive Employment service recently when she visited one of our Chelmsford employers, the Cornish Bakery.
Marie met with Inclusive Employment customer and Chelmsford resident Michael Toms who told her about his experience of finding employment.
The 22-year-old had a seasonal job at Essex County Cricket Ground but wanted to find something more regular so that he could be financially independent and establish more of a routine.
With the support of ECL, Michael submitted 95 job applications to a variety of employers before finally being given an opportunity to prove what a hard worker he is by the Cornish Bakery. He is now approaching his six-month milestone of working there and couldn’t be happier.
It was great to meet Michael and hear his story. He told me how his disability has meant that many employers haven't been willing to give him a chance to prove what a valuable member of the team he can be. It was wonderful to hear how much his job means to him and how it has given him the independence he so desperately wanted. Seeing him at work in the busy café, it was clear what an asset he is.
The regular wages he now gets enable him to live much more independently and are giving him the opportunity to go on holiday to Spain for the very first time. What a huge, positive difference this is going to make to Michael's life. Thank you to the Cornish Bakery for being such an inclusive employer and to the brilliant team at ECL for all the support they are providing to Michael and so many others like him.
Before he began working Michael lived at home, had little access to the community and did not have a wide social circle. Since accessing ECL’s service this has all changed.
ECL has supported him to access other community services such as The Independence Project and as a result he has widened his social circle.
Not only is Michael now a valuable part of the team at the Cornish Bakery, but he also plans to work part-time again at Essex County Cricket Ground when the season begins. By having two jobs, Michael has more routine and the financial independence that he longed for.
He has also been helped to move into supported living. This has transformed his confidence and he’s made a circle of new friends with whom he can share his love of watching horror films and listening to music. He takes great pride in keeping his new home clean and tidy and is also enjoying learning to cook for himself.
I love my job. I enjoy having things to do and it’s busy here which I really like. I work with really friendly, kind and understanding people who are always there for me if I need anything. I think it’s really important for people to have a job. If you don’t have a job you can’t live as you’re not earning money. Now I work, I can do new things like go to concerts or go to the cinema. I’m even going on my first holiday abroad with the Independence Project which I am really excited about.
ECL’s specialist Inclusive Employment team matches talented individuals to meet the needs of the business, creating a successful working relationship that enables the candidate to develop their skills and achieve their goal of becoming more independent.
ECL provides on-the-job coaching and mentoring for as long as is needed to ensure that both the individual and the employer have the best experience.
Inclusive Employment benefits the individuals and employers equally. The employee gains independence (personally and financially) and gets a level of job satisfaction that enhances confidence and provides a sense of purpose. Employers get to diversify their workforce, benefitting from access to a wider talent pool and a reduced staff turnover. Inclusive employment candidates are loyal, reliable and have an infectious enthusiasm which can boost productivity and improve morale across the whole workforce.
To date ECL’s Inclusive Employment service has achieved over 500 successful paid employment outcomes.
If you are a local business that is interested in becoming an inclusive employer please contact ECL by emailing inclusive.employment@essexcares.org
To find out more about ECL’s Inclusive Employment Service, see ecl.org/inclusive-employment