The landmark was celebrated at one of Sainsbury's brand new Local stores in Bloomsbury, London, which has recruited 11 colleagues through Remploy.
The team at the Bloomsbury store includes the 2000th recruit Samantha Mimms, who were joined today by Jacki Connor of Sainsbury's, Disability Minister Esther McVey and Beth Carruthers of Remploy.
Jacki Connor, Sainsbury's Director of HR, Retail and Logistics, said, "Our partnership with Remploy has been fantastic and we’re so pleased to be celebrating this milestone with our colleagues today. Creating jobs and being a great place to work is central to our values as a company and our work with Remploy through our You Can programme is a big part of this. I know from visiting stores and meeting colleagues every day that those recruited through Remploy are passionate about working as a team and delivering great service to customers.”
Beth Carruthers, Remploy’s Director of Employment Services, said: “Our groundbreaking partnership with Sainsbury’s has been an outstanding success in supporting into work people who face significant barriers in their lives. Sainsbury’s deserves great credit for recognising the benefits of employing disabled people who show commitment, stay in the job longer and take less time off work. I confidently look forward to more success in future and an even stronger relationship with our colleagues at Sainsbury’s.”
Samantha Mimms said, “Before getting this job I hadn’t been in work for over 20 years as I’ve been raising my young family. I enrolled for an adult learning course where I was diagnosed as having dyslexia. It was really daunting going back into the world of work and I felt like my dyslexia would hold me back so I asked Remploy for help and advice. They helped me recognise my skills which gave me the confidence to apply myself. Thanks to their help and the team at Sainsbury’s I’m really enjoying my new job. I love working as part of a team in the store and making sure that everything runs smoothly – especially for our busy lunchtime rush!”
Minister for Disabled People, Esther McVey said: “I’d urge other employers to follow the example of Sainsbury's and look hard at their recruitment and work practices to make sure they don’t miss out on the extensive talents of disabled people."
Source: Sainsbury
