Justin Tomlinson MP Joins Pluss Swindon For Employability Day

To mark the fourth national Employability Day, North Swindon MP & Minister of State for Disabled People, Health and Work, Justin Tomlinson, has joined the team at Pluss in Swindon to see how it works to support individuals who face challenges entering employment.

The visit came as part of Employability Day - the UK’s largest celebration for organisations supporting people into work. The annual event also provides an opportunity to increase understanding and awareness of the role they undertake.

The theme of 2019’s Employability Day, coordinated by the Employment Related Services Association (ERSA), was ‘Closing the Gaps’, highlighting the efforts of organisations which help to close employment gaps.

It comes at a time when figures show that almost one million more disabled people are in work compared to five years ago and there are more disabled people in work than out of work for the first time.

During his tenure as the Minister for Disabled People, the North Swindon MP has worked with Pluss and others to expand the Disability Confident Campaign, which breaks down the barriers around employing disabled people, and promotes the benefits for businesses, the individual, and the economy.

Since then, Justin has carried on by organising a number of successful events, with Pluss featuring prominently, such as the reverse jobs fair at STEAM Museum, and the recent event at the Marriott Hotel in partnership with Horizon’s College and celebrity chef Marco Pierre White.

At the event, Justin had the opportunity to meet with staff, volunteers, and those who have benefited from support provided by Pluss and the Department for Work & Pensions.

Justin Tomlinson MP 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 Contract Director said: “We work closely with employers to develop bespoke programmes which help new entrants to take their first steps in the workplace and support those in employment to progress to the next level. We also run courses such as digital skills to help those seeking employment to develop the workplace skills employers are looking for. 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.”