Businesses across Worcestershire are invited to attend the launch of the “Charter for Inclusive Growth” on Friday 30 September at Worcestershire County Cricket Club.
The Charter, which is supported by Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, encourages and aims to support businesses across the county to take on employees who need extra support. This includes those with disabilities, adults with learning disabilities, long term unemployed, ex-offenders and young people with no work experience.
The Charter addresses misconceptions about such employees and instead recognises the benefits to the individual, business and society as a whole. Inclusive employment is shown to help businesses grow and prosper, as once supported into work many prove to be excellent employees. While some businesses are already on board, even more Worcestershire companies could benefit from the skills these candidates can offer.
Robin Walker MP will be launching the Charter at Worcestershire County Cricket Club between 8.00–9.30am. Guests will also enjoy networking over breakfast and hearing from Gary Woodman, Chief Executive of the Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership and Mike Ashton, Chief Executive of Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce.
Mark Stansfeld, Chair of the Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “An inclusive Worcestershire economy is an important WLEP ambition. Thriving business growth creates innovative benefits for employees as well as employers. While Worcestershire’s employment rates are above the national average, inclusive employment is vital to lower unemployment rates further and provide opportunities for all of the County’s workforce. The Worcestershire Inclusive Growth event will launch a new Charter and showcase small and large businesses already hiring and supporting people with extra challenges to be part of our growing prosperity. I encourage local businesses to attend and find out more about how they can benefit.”
Places are limited so businesses are encouraged to secure a free place now. To book, visit the Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce website or email Sophia Haywood, Policy Executive, at sophiah@hwchamber.co.uk