Research shows that whilst most people with learning disabilities want to work, their unemployment rates are amongst the highest in the UK. The UK employment rate is 80% for non-disabled people, 47% for disabled people, and just 5% for people with learning disabilities.    

At SeeAbility, we've already begun to change the story. Through support from the Big Give in 2018, we were able to launch our Ready, Willing and Able supported employment programme, working with people with disabilities across the UK to build meaningful careers. Our innovative programme works closely with both the job-seeker and the employer to ensure both sides are ready, willing and able to make inclusive employment work. Our support doesn't stop with the signing of a job contract. We stay in touch with everyone we're supporting, to guide them through all the ups and downs of their careers.

“It feels really, really good. It’s nice to earn actual money. By having a proper job, I feel a weight has lifted off my shoulders. Life is a lot less stressful not having to look for a job.”

Beatrix (pictured above) a participant in our regional Ready, Willing and Able programme

But there is lots of work still to do. There are thousands of people with disabilities across the UK who have never had a paid job. 

In some areas of London, the situation is worse, with even fewer people with learning disabilities in paid work and a similar lack of employers that feel able to support a disabled person in their employment. That's why we want to bring our Ready, Willing and Able programme to London, and build those bridges between employers and disabled employees.

“Equity and inclusion are an important cornerstone for us at Lush and incredibly important to me personally as a manager,” said Besco. “Working with you has really helped us keep moving forward with this, and Lush's "all are welcome, always" ethos, firmly in mind.”

Lush, a Ready, Willing and Able employer

Through our Big Give campaign, we're raising the funds we need to kickstart this new chapter of Ready, Willing and Able. With the backing of The Reed Foundation, donations between 3rd-10th December will be doubled, so every penny you donate will have twice the impact.

Your donation will not only fund our Supported Employment Coaches, but will also help us to set up a ‘Ready to Work Fund’ which will help job-seekers with the hidden costs of job-hunting, like smart clothes and train tickets.

“I feel very excited to have a paid job and I am very grateful to my job coach for helping me with my CV and interview preparation. Looking for work is a challenge but don’t give up.”

Tim, a participant in our regional Ready, Willing and Able programme