Tina clocks in at work

The initiative aims to raise awareness of the benefits for business in thinking differently about who they employ, while providing valuable work experience for people with a learning disability.

Tina Crossey has been supported by Mencap’s local employment service since 2012 and has been in her paid job as a cleaner and tea person with Alexander Boyd Displays for six months and works 30 hours a week.

“Having a job makes me feel like I have more freedom, I’m my own boss when I’m cleaning,” she said. “Getting off benefits and earning my own money is more realistic. I did it and all my work placements have paid off.”

Asked if she would like to see more employers taking on more people with a learning disability Tina said a most definite ‘yes’. “People with learning disabilities can work the same as anyone else and could be perfect for the job. Less people would also be on benefits.”

Having employed people with a disability before, Alexander Boyd’s Norine Smith, Tina’s line manager, explained that it was the first time the company had worked in conjunction with an organisation like Mencap and was glad for the support the learning disability charity provided.

“Everyone deserves a chance and with the right support there are many jobs out there for people with learning disabilitiess,” said Norine.