MP Justin Tomlinson visits Seetec Pluss to mark national Employability Day

To mark the fourth national Employability Day, Seetec Pluss’ Swindon centre hosted Minister of State for Disabled People, Health and Work, Justin Tomlinson, to show how they work to support individuals who face challenges entering employment.

The theme of 2019’s Employability Day, coordinated by the Employment Related Services Association (ERSA), is ‘Closing the gaps’, highlighting the efforts of organisations which help to close employment gaps between people from all walks of life. Employment support specialist Seetec Pluss is shining the spotlight on this type of work, helping those with disadvantages, to enter and progress in the world of work.

It comes at a time when latest figures show that just over half of those with disabilities are in employment, compared with four out of five of those without disabilities. And only six per cent of people with a learning disability are in employment. Stats also show that more than three million people of working age with disabilities are economically inactive, neither in work nor looking for work.

Minister for Disabled People Justin Tomlinson said: "It's been a privilege to see first-hand the great work Seetec Pluss are undertaking in my hometown of Swindon, helping disadvantaged people into the workforce and benefiting local business. We’ve made great progress with nearly 950,000 more disabled people in work than five years ago – but we want to go further, and we will work with employers in Swindon and across the South West to give every disabled person who wants to work the opportunity of a fulfilling career.”

Paul Hughes, Seetec Pluss Operations Director said: “We aim to create new opportunities to improve people’s lives by focusing on their strengths and raising aspirations while helping them to overcome their barriers. We work closely with employers, large and small to ensure they understand the benefits our customers bring to the workplace.”