Disabled islanders seeking work helped by Barclays funding

The Guernsey Employment Trust (GET) is the latest local charity to receive funding from the Barclays Community Investment committee.

The bank has chosen GET as its charity partner for 2017 and will fund the recruitment of an employment support officer for 12 months. The position will have a specific remit to support more disabled people to gain employment.

GET is a relatively new charity having been formed in 2015 following the take-over of a States of Guernsey-run service, Interwork Services. 

GET’s objective is to create employment opportunities for disabled people and to assist those with long-term health conditions and disabilities to prepare for, find, and maintain work in Guernsey.

The service is designed to address the employment needs of not only people with disabilities but also to provide advice and guidance on good practice to local businesses when recruiting and retaining disabled staff.

GET provides a range of activities and services to over 160 disabled people; these include a supported employment team, a job club and work experience placements.

During 2016, GET supported 69 disabled people into employment and now have an active caseload of around 180 disabled people who are either being supported at work or are being assisted to find a job. 

Manager at Guernsey Employment Trust, Nikki Ioannou-Droushiotis, said: “Barclays’ funding has allowed us to appoint someone to this role. We are confident they will have a positive impact during the year and will secure employment or work experience opportunities for many individuals. 

“We very much appreciate the support of Barclays and look forward to working in partnership with them in the future.”

Chair of Barclays’ charity committee, Emma Caseby, said: “Barclays is committed to building a successful business that is centred around the inclusive prosperity of current and future generations. The Barclays Shared Growth Ambition focuses on helping people develop the vital skills they need to get into work which is why we are collaborating with GET to provide further access to employment for local individuals.

“We are delighted to be funding an employment support officer who will allow more disabled islanders to have access to the services that the Guernsey Employment Trust offers.”

Barclays’ previous charity partners have included Action for Children and the Guernsey Sports Commission.