Shirley Jones – Domestic Assistant, Liverpool

“On benefits, it felt like I was in hell, now it feels like I’m in heaven”

As far as Shirley Jones is concerned work is not about money. For 45 year old Shirley, who works as a Domestic Assistant at the North Liverpool Regeneration Company (NLRCO), work means more than that. For Shirley, having a job is about self-respect and doing something worthwhile with her life. “Being on benefits, I felt like I was being watched all the time but now I feel free” she says.

Shirley’s determination has paid off

After leaving school, Shirely spent many years stuck in dead end training schemes but was always keen to work. She eventually found permanent employment and was employed in one job as a kitchen porter for about ten years.  However, Shirley’s circumstances changed and she found herself back on the job market. But it hasn’t been easy. “I’d apply for jobs but would never get them. When I asked for feedback about my interviews, I was told that my dress was perfect, that my answers were great but that I just wasn’t suitable” says Shirley. “I feel I’ve been discriminated against and I’ve had a few knock backs but I’ve been encouraged to keep trying”.  Although she admits that it’s been ‘a hard slog’, Shirley’s determination to get back to work paid off and she is now working in a job she enjoys.

Employer's story

For project manager, Nicola Kelly, employing Shirley was neither a risk nor a problem. “We knew Shirley as a trainee and were fully aware of her support needs so it wasn’t a problem to employ her. Take Shirley’s problems away and she is just the same as other employees” says Nicola who believes that everybody has ‘baggage’ of some kind. “Non-disabled people need support too” she says. As a community based organisation NLRCO networks with other agencies to promote its ‘widening participation’ agenda. This strategy also applies to the recruitment and selection of new employees.

Nicola knew that Shirley would need extra help with paperwork and would also need a more in-depth induction than other non-disabled employees. This support has been provided without cost being an issue. As an organisation that regularly provides training for groups within the community, NLRCO is committed to meeting the needs of trainees who are disabled and will provide whatever support they need to complete a course. The same principle applies to employees. Nicola said, “We’re used to making changes for trainees. For example we provide bigger keyboards for trainees who have visual impairments. To do the same for employees is really not a problem”.

Employee's story

Shirley has a range of disabilities which include learning difficulties and dyslexia. Many years ago, she also had her spleen removed, a condition which can affect the immune system. Nevertheless, Shirley is very positive about both working and learning. To date, she has completed courses in business administration, customer care and first aid. She is also currently enrolled on a business start-up course and has thought about setting up her own business. “I love making cards, so I might do something with that one day” she says. In the meantime, Shirley is happy to continue in her new job which she started in May 2007. As a domestic assistant, Shirley has her own ‘patch’ to clean but also works as part of a team at NLRCO.  In addition to the self-respect she feels from having a job, Shirley believes that employment has helped in other ways. “I feel more confident when I talk to people” she says.  

Making a success of being employed

Support from her employer has gone a long way to help Shirley make a success of being employed. Staff at NLRCO were impressed with Shirley’s efforts as a trainee with the company and invited her to apply for a job as a domestic assistant. After a successful interview she was delighted to be offered a permanent job. Shirley doesn’t need any specific support or physical adjustments to help her carry out her duties, but does require help to complete paperwork and forms.

Shirley has personal experience of the barriers faced by disabled people who want to work. She’s been called ‘stupid’ because of her learning difficulties and one employer suggested without any supporting evidence, that she would be ill a lot and would need significant amounts of sick leave because her spleen had been removed. On the positive side however, Shirley is aware that some employers like NLRCO will do their best to be supportive and encouraging to disabled people.

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
•