After spending years out of work and claiming benefits, six local people are now back in employment at a new logistics centre in Worksop, thanks to the support of Remploy.
The six employees, four from Worksop, one from Retford, and one from Scrooby have secured full-time jobs as warehouse colleagues for DHL Exel Supply Chain at the B&Q distribution centre on the Old Manton colliery site in the town.
The new, purpose-built centre became fully operational in August. It employs up to 1,000 people and supplies a number of UK B&Q distribution centres with some of the organisation's fastest-moving product lines. It also boasts an on-site staff gym and learning centre linked to Nottingham College, where employees can study for various qualifications including English and Maths.
The six disabled candidates successfully gained employment after asking Remploy to support their applications at a large recruitment open day held at the centre in March. Remploy is the UK's leading provider of employment services for disabled people and last year found 4,300 jobs for disabled people in mainstream employment.
"We invited Remploy to attend the recruitment day because we are very supportive of Remploy clients and have committed to being actively involved with the company's vocational training," said Diane Hickey, HR Manager DHL Exel Supply Chain.
"We believe that employing a diverse workforce is vital, and feel confident that Remploy can help us to identify strong applicants who will remain committed and reliable.
"The candidates asked Remploy to support their applications because of employment difficulties they had faced in the past due to their various disabilities. They are all now enjoying their new roles and two will be studying for their fork truck licences in the near future. In a company of this size, further progression opportunities will always be available to them.
"We are delighted with their progress so far and hope to recruit more employees via Remploy in the near future."