First job in 30 years for Albert

A 45-year-old disabled man from Paisley is celebrating having just started his first ever job. Albert McCondochie, who has dyslexia and a history of severe depression, has been supported into work at Asdaís Linwood store by Remploy ñ the UKís leading provider of employment services for disabled people.

For over 30 years Albert was a carer for his disabled parents. Following the death of his mother, Albert began job searching but soon found that many employers were discouraged by his disabilities, lack of qualifications and experience. A frustrating period of claiming incapacity benefit followed.

Finally a referral by Jobcentre Plus to Remployís local team in Paisley turned Albertís prospects around and soon put him in sight of his first ever job. He attended a Remploy vocational development programme where Remployís specialist employment advisors hone candidatesí key skills, such as interview techniques and confidence building. Albert also attended a store familiarisation visit to see at first hand the working environment and roles available at Asda. Within two weeks of being referred to Remploy he was offered a customer service role in the dairy department of the store.

ìI was very sceptical at first,î said Albert. ìI seemed to have been passed from pillar to post and not got very far, but Remploy provided practical advice that I could actively use. I also met other people in the same position as me so I didnít feel so isolated and alone.

ìI was worried that my dyslexia would be a problem but Asda agreed that I could give my answers verbally, while my Remploy advisor wrote them down. No one made me feel stupid and I soon proved I was perfectly able to do the job.î

Remploy has a national partnership agreement with Asda whereby candidates with disabilities and health conditions are given an equal opportunity to gain jobs in store. To date, 180 Remploy candidates have been employed by Asda this year in a variety of roles from checkout and warehouse assistants to home delivery drivers and administration staff.

ìI canít wait to complete my induction and get working,î Albert said. ìI have finally been given the chance to prove my abilities. Iím very people-orientated and am looking forward to being a friendly and helpful member of Asdaís team.î

Albertís journey into work has proved such a success that he will still be a regular attendee at future Remploy development sessions ñ as an Asda employee sharing his experience and motivation to succeed with other disabled jobseekers.

ìIf I can help just one other person to pick themselves up and believe in what they can do then Iíll be happy. Remploy and Asda have given me a fabulous start and itís only right that other people know that thereís such special support available.î