As a WorkFit Officer, I am often asked what type of employer is most likely to be inclusive and offer to WorkFit candidates. The answer is that there is no “type” and by being open minded, we ensure that we don’t limit approaching a variety of employers, as we could miss out on valuable opportunities.
I first approached H&M via a regional manager Debra Eustace, as I had a candidate in Exeter who I thought would be suited to working in their city centre store. Debra was very keen to find out more and arranged for me to meet the store manager Stephen Grant.
It was instantly clear that Steve would do whatever it took to be able to accommodate Olivia in the store and make this opportunity work. Olivia was very nervous and only wanted to work 2 hours a week. H&M were flexible about hours and wanted Olivia to have the security of a permanent contract with the rights and benefits that comes with that.Steve and the rest of his team took part in the WorkFit Employer Training that is delivered prior to a candidate starting work with an employer. This training not only offers an overview of Downs syndrome as a condition, but also discusses the reasonable adjustments and support that the specific candidate might need
In summer 2024 Olivia will have been employed by H&Mfor 2 years. Her confidence has grown significantly, she was recently awarded Employee of the Month. In addition, has helped to develop a H&M internal document for colleagues to guide them in how to support candidates and buddies in other H&M Stores.
Olivia says’ ‘I like working at H&M, it makes me feel independent and confident. I love working with Abby and Chloe, they are kind and help me a lot.
Employing someone with a learning disability offers a wealth of benefits to a business and to the colleagues that work there.
WorkFit have since supported a further nine candidates into roles in H&M stores across the country with others starting in the near future and it’s not just the candidates who are feeling the benefits.
Laura is the store manager at Bristol Cribbs Causeway where WorkFit Candidate Issy works. Laura has said ‘Collaborating with Workfit and onboarding Issy has been one of the most rewarding parts of my job role. I am so proud that we’ve been able to support the representation of colleagues with Down Syndrome; but I am also incredibly proud of Issy’s individual growth in confidence and skill set since joining our store. I initially went into this collaboration focused on how we could enhance Issy’s working experience, however the impact of onboarding Issy has been a lot bigger than this, and has developed my whole store team. Every colleague has grown through allyship and a better understanding of working with colleagues with Down Syndrome- this really has been has been such a positive experience for everyone!’
Issy loves her role and has been increasing the number of hours that she works as her confidence builds. She says ‘I do hanging, folding, confidence skills and RFID. (Tagging and scanning clothes) My favourite task is clearing the floors and I have recently learnt how to do the buttons and hangers on the rails. H&M is my favourite shop. I feel good. I feel confident and I’m learning stuff.
Each candidate is supported a ‘Work buddy’ – another member of staff who acts as a mentor and supports their new colleagues to learn the tasks of their role.
Olivia’s buddy, Chloesays ‘It has been a real privilege to work within a company who is involved with Workfit. Olivia has gone from strength to strength, we can really see how her confidence has grown during her time at H&M. Working with someone who has down’s syndrome can bring so many positives to the workplace such as a great work ethic, a unique perspective and often a great attitude to learn and succeed. These are all skills Olivia has.’
Another buddy Kelly says ’ I felt honoured and excited to meet Issy. It’s fantastic to see her progress week on week. She is a real trier and has a lot of pride when she finishes each shift’. Kelly creates notes and visual prompts to help Issy in her job and always keeps the role interesting. Practising how to display and fold clothes also helps Issy to improve her motor skills with a variety of zips, buttons and other clothes fastening types.
Candidates work in a variety of roles in stores from clearing and tidying the shop floor, helping in the changing rooms, unpacking deliveries and serving customers on the tills. H&M work with the candidates’ skills and interests to support their growth and professional development in their role. The staff and management at Poole have said ’it’s so refreshing to being able to learn a new way of working with Bea she always makes us laugh and smile and is such a pleasure to work with.’ Bea in Poole loves helping with the deliveries and Tanzie in Basingstoke loves serving customers on the till. Tanzie also met her local MP Ranil Jayawardena, when he visited her in store recently to find out more about WorkFit and supportive employment opportunities for his constituents. She was very proud to be able to talk about her job and the support she receives from her colleagues.
Having a job is a huge step in developing a range of additional personal and professional skills, with a number of additional benefits for the individual – earning their own money, being part of their community, increasing their independence and enhancing their self-esteem
Everyone has something different and unique that they can bring to the team and H&M have embraced this diversity resulting in a huge positive impact in the lives of each candidate.
Thank you to all of our employers for their continued support of our WorkFit programme, and good luck to everyone starting new roles this month.
To find out more about WorkFit and how we support people who have Down’s syndrome to access meaningful work opportunities that can benefit the rest of their lives, please contact the team on 0333 12 12 300 or email us on dsworkfit@downs-syndrome.org.uk For more information visit the WorkFit website: www.dsworkfit.org.uk