The Employment Service at Stepping Stones NI held their second very successful Employer Breakfast on Wednesday 18^th May.  It was attended by 10 local employers eager to find out about the Employment Service, Supported Employment, and the part that they can play.

After a delicious breakfast provided by our recently awarded coffee shop (The Avenue was named ‘Best non-licensed Easting Establishment’ in this years, Lisburn City Business Awards) we began our meeting.

A representative from the Equality Commission spoke to the group about:

-     How employers can use positive action to make their workforce more representative of the community in  which we live by employing people with disabilities

-     How employers  can make reasonable adjustments both in the recruitment and selection process and in employment

She completed by addressing any fears that employers may have regarding employing individuals with disabilities.

The Employment team provided the employers with a presentation on the success of Supported Employment in local organisations and the benefits that they will see by working with a Supported Employment organisation such as Stepping Stones NI.

A ‘Question and Answer’ session followed with open discussions about relevant issues experienced by employers.  Everybody left feeling informed and positive about working with Stepping Stones NI in the future.

An employer commented ‘Before the breakfast I was unsure about employing someone with a disability.  However, I know understand that employing someone through Stepping Stones means that I get support too’.

The next Employer Breakfast will be held at 8am on Friday 23^rd September 2011.  If you would like to attend please contact Joanne Murray at 028 92 666404 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it