Tesco has extended the scope of a government-backed disabled workers employment scheme to its Express stores.
The supermarket giant has been operating a partnership with government agency Remploy in its main outlets since April 2004, under which it recruits and retains disabled candidates within stores.
It has now been extended to the smaller Express stores, with the pilot roll-out at the Hurst Street store in Birmingham.
Nine of the 23-strong team at the store, who have a range of physical and learning disabilities, were supported into work by Remploy
Chris Nicholls, store manager at Hurst Street, said: “Tesco Express has specific recruitment criteria. All of our staff must be able to handle all of the roles in the store – from stocking and pricing to operating the till and handling money. It’s a physically demanding role and good customer service skills are also vital.
“The commitment shown by Remploy candidates to gain employment was very noticeable during their interviews and all have fitted into the team with no problems at all.”
Remploy placed 4,300 people into jobs with mainstream employers last year. It aims to support 20,000 people nationally into employment each year by 2010.
