Press Statement – 16th January 2012
Pluss is a highly successful local social enterprise that is committed to helping disabled people into employment. Based in Devon, last year Pluss helped around 3,500 people into work – making a huge difference to those people’s lives, and the lives of their families. Getting a job is one of the most important things that can happen in anyone’s life, and it can be especially difficult for people with a disability to achieve this.
Pluss used to be part of a number of local councils and is now owned by Devon, Plymouth, Torbay and Somerset councils. As we all know the public sector has been hit hard by the current economic difficulties and councils have been looking at how to get the best return for local people on the money they spend with Pluss.
Pluss has been working with Devon and Torbay councils in recent months to redirect some of the funding provided to Pluss to support disabled people into work. This has been based on a joint commitment to changing investment in order to help an increasing number of disabled people get jobs in local businesses. Historically, funding has been used to employ people in factory based activities. These have been subsidised for some time, as their income has not matched the costs of the staff working in them.
Consultation has just begun with staff in Pluss’ Exeter and Torbay factories in relation to 25 potential redundancies – 8 in Exeter and 17 in Torbay. Pluss and its Devon and Torbay owners are committed to minimising the impact these proposed changes will have on anyone.
Pluss is a top performing provider of the Governments Work Choice programme which aims to support people with disabilities into paid work.
It will use its skills to help all the people affected by this proposed change find new employment. It will also establish employment skills clubs, including access to web based employment resources, will allow people paid time off to attend interviews and give support to those affected who may have the skills to do alternative jobs within Pluss. Help is also available from the Pluss in-house counsellor for advice and personal support through this potentially difficult time.
Pluss, and the two councils remain totally committed to helping people with a disability find meaningful employment. This has been a shared priority for some time as disabled people continue to experience many barriers into work. It is even more important now as the economic difficulties increase.
Both councils are discussing with Pluss how they can continue to invest in community based employment schemes that help people into employment which we hope will result in new opportunities for disabled people to find work, live independently, and maximise their potential.
For more information contact Geraldine Scott-Smith on 07766 367267
