MP Maria Miller Launches Basingstoke Inclusion Zone
On Friday the 13th March Maria Miller MP, The Mayor of Basingstoke and the Trustees of Basingstoke Mencap will launch the Basingstoke Inclusion Zone. (BIZ)
The Basingstoke Inclusion Zone is a project looking at employment opportunities for people with learning disabilities. As a former Minister for disabled people and a volunteer at the Speakeasy Advocacy this is a key area of expertise for Maria.
The Basingstoke Inclusion Zone is working with Basingstoke Mencap, who are running the Aspire Project aimed helping people with learning disabilities get into employment. In Hampshire only 9% of people with learning disabilities are in employment.
The Basingstoke Inclusion Zone is aimed at recognising local employers who are proactive in recruiting people with disabilities and who sign up to a “local Two Ticks” charter. Companies already signed up include The AA, Marks and Spencer, Sainsbury’s, Fujitsu, QHotels, The Basingstoke Sport Trust and Great Guns Marketing.
Many employers sign up to national schemes to support disabled people into work but people with learning disabilities are still finding it difficult to find employment. The Basingstoke Inclusion Zone is a way for local employers to show their commitment, to giving people with learning disabilities the right opportunity to reach their potential.
There has been significant interest from other Basingstoke employers who are in the process of signing up. BIZ also aims to sign up other smaller companies and organisations.
The BIZ Logo attached was designed by William Maughan who designed it as a target with a soft font I for Inclusion. The logo will displayed in the windows of businesses who sign up.
Speakers at the launch will include Kate Caffey (Head of Region HR, Home Counties South ) from Marks and Spencer who will talking about the benefits of a diverse work force and the Marks and Spencer Buddy scheme . Paul Beesley, Manager of Sainsbury’s will talk about Sainsbury’s positive experiences in employing people with learning disabilities and Tim Johnson Fujitsu [Head of Business Operations] will also be a speaker.
The Minister of State for Disabled people Mark Harper MP has endorsed the scheme and commented:
“The Basingstoke Inclusion Zone is a vital Project which highlights the contribution that people with learning disabilities can make to the workforce. Employers in Basingstoke have highlighted the benefits of employing people with learning disabilities and I encourage other local businesses to take part in this scheme.”
Maria Miller MP Commented:
"Fewer than one in ten people with a learning disability in Hampshire are able to get into work. This an appalling waste of real talent, at a time when so many employers are struggling to find enough people to fill some vacancies.
"Many employers sign up to national schemes to support disabled people into work but people with learning disabilities can still find it very tough.
"The Basingstoke Inclusion Zone is a way for local employers to show their commitment, to giving people with learning disabilities the right opportunity to reach their potential.
“The positive response to this new scheme has been overwhelming. We have the support of the Mayor, the Borough Council and seven major local employers have already signed up to BIZ showing the commitment to supporting disabled people into work.
"All we are asking local employers to sign up to is a bit of extra commitment to a group of people whose skills can too often be hidden.
"I would encourage more employers in Basingstoke to come forward and find out about more becoming part of the Basingstoke Inclusion Zone.”