One of WorkFit’s most successful partnerships is with XPO Logistics and we are very happy to announce that they are finalists in the ‘Best Employer Practice’ category at the British Association for Supported Employment (BASE) Awards 2019.
The company employs seven people with Down’s syndrome in their supply chain network across the country. These permanent paid jobs have all been secured through our WorkFit programme.
“The team at WorkFit are absolutely delighted that XPO Logistics’ incredible support of people who have Down’s syndrome is being recognised by BASE, who are widely acknowledged as the ‘governing body’ of supported employment in the UK. We are very proud to be working with the UK division of a global giant like XPO Logistics and hope more organisations across the country will consider partnering with WorkFit in the future.”
Aaron works at an XPO Logistics site in Manchester and said: “I love my job; I would like to become a Health and Safety trainer at XPO Logistics. All the staff have been very nice and I have learnt how to say good morning in lots of different languages. I like to work hard and keep focused. I feel very proud to work on the bailer.”
Sam works at an XPO Logistics site in Buckinghamshire where he packs internet orders for customers purchasing goods online. He loves his job and tells everyone how happy he is at XPO. Sam has become a popular member of the team and XPO are very impressed with his productivity and aptitude for the job.
Samuel is employed as a Warehouse Operative on a large XPO site in South Yorkshire which employs over 3,000 people. He has a clear, established routine working on the inducting stations, scanning items ready to be distributed around the UK. He uses Makaton at work to communicate with colleagues, and his parents say having a paid job has had an incredibly positive effect on his whole life.
“Samuel works with a great team of colleagues who are there to support him if necessary. We have recognised that being in work and earning a wage has further enhanced Samuel’s independence and motivation in other aspects of his life. He is always included in all XPO social activities, which is so important to him and to us. He certainly enjoys his shifts and the challenges the work presents. We are so very proud of him and this outstanding achievement. He never ceases to amaze us.” Elaine, Samuel’s mum.
Samuel’s dad Tony said: “It is obvious how much Samuel loves this job. When he goes to college we have to wake him up and encourage him to get ready. However when he is at work he is up and ready in his uniform for 8.30am before setting off. He really feels valued and part of the team.”
Plans are now in place to secure more employment opportunities at XPO Logistics, which employs over 100,000 employees in 30 countries globally. Gavin Williams, Managing Director, Supply Chain – UK & Ireland, XPO Logistics, said:
“We are proud that XPO Logistics are finalists at this year’s British Association for Supported Employment (BASE) 2019 Awards in the category for ‘Best Employer Practice’ in recognition of our support of WorkFit employees at XPO. It is a testament and recognition to all involved that have picked up and ran with this programme.”
Congratulations to XPO employees, Samuel, Barney, Jack, Aaron, Luanne, Grace and Sam.
Members of the XPO and WorkFit teams will be attending the BASE Awards, which are held in Manchester on 5 November.