“Helping people with learning disabilities find employment is a key part of our action plan to ensure they live full, independent lives,” Deputy Minister for Social Services Julie Morgan said today (23 August 2022) after meeting a Cardiff man celebrating an employment milestone.
Mrs Morgan met Harry Clements, 28, who has Down Syndrome, at his workplace, Gregg’s in Cardiff, where he has just completed five years employment.
He is one of hundreds of people with Down’s syndrome in Wales who have been supported into work through the Down’s Syndrome Association’s WorkFit programme, supported by the Welsh Government.
Mrs Morgan said:
“It was great to meet Harry and his employers today, he is a great role model for others with learning disabilities. Having the opportunity for paid employment is extremely important for everyone, in terms of self-esteem and living an independent life.
That is a key element of the Welsh Government’s Learning Disability Action Plan, published earlier this year. Schemes like the WorkFit programme will provide employment, training and support for people with learning disabilities to enter and remain in the workplace.”
Our action plan will also create more opportunities for people with a learning disability to access apprenticeship schemes.”
Harry said:
“I love my job, it has made me proud of myself and makes me happy. I love wearing my uniform and chatting to customers and meeting new people. I look forward to going to work every day and earning my own money.”
For further information visit New plan helping people with learning disabilities into work | GOV.WALES