Supported Employment Looks Set To Be Hit By The Recession With the gloomy economy and high unemployment, its difficult to find anything to get excited about with regards to the UKs job market. The youth job market is the most affected with growing concerns that there could be a lost generation, however disabled people are also suffering. Over 65% of people with learning difficulties are keen to work, however the figures published by the British Association of Supported Employment, highlight the fact that just 6.4% are currently in paid employment a figure that looks likely to decrease.Therefore, when any positive news comes along its best to celebrate it when it happens, this is very much the case in Trafford,Oakley EK Signature Eyewear Cheap, Greater Manchester, where there are some fantastic examples of how a supported employment project which is run by United Response can get people with learning disabilities into work, helping them thrive as individuals and make an effective contribution to their employers. This service recently entered its seventh year and so far has helped hundreds of people.The Manchester Evening News recently celebrated the progress made by the project with a full page cover story. One of the people featured was Luanne Horton,Oakley Jupiter Squared, 21, who got into contact with United Response in the hope that they could help her find work. Luanne has Downs Syndrome and has reading and writing difficulties, so she was helped by job coach Maria Williams to put together a decent CV. Luanne felt she that had the relevant skills to be able to practical and so, inspired by Luannes love of fashion, went on a job search near to her home in Sale.JLF hairdressers in Sale Moor decided to take her on as an assistant and Luannes main job role is to greet customers and making drinks, sorting hair products and tidying up the salon. Jess France, owner of JLF stated that Luanne is an asset to the business, Shes very reliable and she has really come out of her shell since shes been here.Ali Bishop, who has been one of the lynchpins behind Trafford Supported Employment since the beginning, states that the project not only helps individuals and businesses but also saves the taxpayer money so much money as it helps individuals take the first steps towards financial independence. They might be people like Luanne who, may not be able to come off benefits entirely, but when she is working she is not accessing things like day care services Its about being less reliant on the state.The Manchester Evening News agreed in an overwhelming positive leader column which gave their full backing to the project. The scheme offers people with learning difficulties extensive support, including help from a dedicated job coach. Could that be replicated for others finding it hard to get work? It would, of course, cost money. But can we afford not to try? With the scheme in Trafford we have a successful model. Perhaps its time to widen its reach.But heres the dilemma. Far from investing more in supported employment during a time of increasing unemployment, many of these existing supported employment services are under constant financial threat or already have been cut as a cost saving measure. Throughout the UK, less people with learning disabilities are getting an opportunity to find employment and the increased independence that comes with it. The thing is despite all these cuts, with investment in these schemes and the right support, these schemes really do save money in the long term.The current government, in its 2010 Vision For Adult Social Care, states with intent that Preventing peoples needs from escalating will help to reduce the costs of intensive care packages. Employment is also an important part of helping people to stay independent for as long as possible. Thats why it needs to work closely with local authorities who, unlike Trafford,Oakley Frogskin, are not investing in supported employment. As the Manchester Evening News says, can we afford not to try?
