Remploy praised by job-hunter

Michael Meacher meets John Robinson, who uses Remploy’s services, and his mentor, Lynda Harrison

WHILE some may be struggling to find a job, one local man who suffers from epilepsy is celebrating a trio of job interviews thanks to Remploy.

Michael Meacher, MP for Oldham West and Royton, was on hand to congratulate John Robinson, of Watersheddings, who was recently made redundant from his post as stock controller for an engineering firm.

After having epilepsy for most of his life, the 55-year-old sought advice from Remploy, which supports people with complex barriers to employment back into the workplace.

John’s success comes as the branch pledges to redouble its efforts to find jobs in Oldham for people with disabilities and health conditions.

The commitment came as Oldham West and Royton MP Michael Meacher paid a visit to Remploy’s specialist recruitment branch in Union Street, Oldham.

Since it opened seven months ago, staff have helped to secure mainstream jobs for around 80 disabled people in areas from retail and the service industry to public service.

Branch manager Julie Lawton stressed to Mr Meacher the critical importance of the current economic climate not further affecting people who already face the most severe barriers to employment.

She said: “This is not the time to walk away from people who are furthest from the labour market. They need our support more than ever.”

Mr Meacher said it was “great news” that those who often faced the greatest obstacles to getting employment got direct and individual support, and were “placed as equals alongside non-disabled people.”

Congratulating Remploy on its job figures, he urged it to strive for even greater success during today’s difficult economic climate.

Remploy works with disabled people who are keen to return to work or get a first job, by offering a range of support, from basic employment skills and vocational training, to help with completing application forms and arranging job tasters and interviews.

Nationally, Remploy aims to support more than 20,000 disabled people into mainstream jobs by 2012.