Employers show benefits of an inclusive workforce

Local businesses will open their doors today to help raise awareness of the talents and abilities of people living with health conditions, disabilities or injuries as part of Forrest Personnel’s Workability Day.

The event has become an annual occurrence and was designed to bring local employers and jobseekers together for one day across all Forrest Personnel sites, showcasing the abilities of individuals and willingness of employers to give them almost invaluable experience.

Forrest Personnel chief executive Anna Bagshaw said the day was a great way for employers to experience the benefits individuals with health conditions, disabilities or injuries could bring to a workplace.

“Our participants gain a lot from having the opportunity to be included at so many levels of an organisation,” she said.

Funkee Monkey, Pete’s Chop Shop and Optus are three of the South West businesses to take part this year, joined by Collie Hills Village and several employers at Vasse Village.

Pete’s Chop Shop has taken part in the past three Workability Days which provided great hands-on experience for jobseekers, according to owner Pete Gianfrancesco.

“We’ve had people before who had been injured and getting back into the workforce,” he said.

“It’s pretty important.”