Working in Social Firms

People want to work however according to the Office of National Statistics, nearly one in five, or 6.9 milion, people of working age in Britain are disabled. Almost half of them are currently unemployed. Mental health illness alone is responsible for 40% of Incapacity Benefits claimants with a further 10% having this as a secondary factor. A CIPD survey indicated more than 60% of employers disregard applications from people with mental health problems.

Social Firms offer people the opportunity to work in a supportive and inclusive working environment, free from stigma and discrimination. People are valued for their abilities and are supported and encouraged to participate – everyone’s contribution is valued. Social Firms are often described as being like a family business, partly because of the social investment in operating the business and partly because of the close supportive relationships between staff.

People see Social Firms as an opportunity to :

• test the water and try working in a supportive environment, where people are understanding of your disability but focus on your ability.
• adjust to a work routine and build up stamina – for some people who have been out of work for a long time or who have never worked, building up stamina and a routine needs to be done gradually.
• achieve a real job with real pay and all the associated social and economic benefits.
• progress through the Social Firm – some people start off as trainees and move on to be supervisers within the business.
• move into the open labour market – for some a Social Firm is a stepping stone into mainstream employment but without the time limitations and pressure of some other initiatives.

Read what people working in Social Firms say in our Case Studies.