Empey praises workforce contribution of people with disabilites

4 October 2007

Employment and Learning Minister Sir Reg Empey has congratulated the disabled workforce at Ulster Supported Employment Ltd (USEL) on the quality of their work.

Speaking after touring the Cambrai Street factory where he attended the launch of a new, high quality Blue Lagoon range of beds, the Minister said: “This new high quality product clearly demonstrates that with the right support people with disabilities can contribute to our workforce in exactly the same way as their colleagues.

“I have been very impressed with the wide range of work undertaken by Ulster Supported Employment and the level of support they give to disabled employees and their employers across Northern Ireland.

“My congratulations go to Ulster Supported Employment Ltd on their commitment to the continuous skills development of their workforce that has enabled them to launch this innovative product range.  It is an example that many other employers would do well to follow.”

During his visit Sir Reg met with staff and disabled employees and was presented with a gift to mark his visit by Lucy Cowan, an employee of Ulster Supported Employment Ltd for 40 years.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

  1. USEL employs around 100 people, including 70 with a range of disabilities, in industrial sewing and the manufacture of beds.  The factory is located at Cambrai Street, Belfast after re-location in June 2001 from their previous premises at Lawnbrook Avenue, Belfast. The Department for Employment and Learning provided £800,000 to enable this relocation to occur.
  2. USEL is a Non Departmental Public Body which was established under the Disabled Persons (Employment) Act (NI) 1945 to provide sheltered employment for severely disabled people.  It merged with Workshops for the Blind in 1980 and acquired charitable status in 1986.
  3. Media queries to the Department for Employment and Learning Press Office on 028 9025 7872.
  4. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.

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