Leading by Example on Inclusive Employment Practices

For more than 20 years, Laltex has proudly supported Seashell Trust, working alongside the charity to help young people with disabilities reach their potential. Over the last seven years, this support has developed into a supported employment partnership, enabling students to gain meaningful, paid employment within the Laltex workplace.

Recently, representatives from Seashell Trust visited Laltex to deliver a disability awareness workshop to team members. The session was designed to break down barriers, provide a deeper understanding of supported employment, and build confidence for colleagues who may feel unsure about how best to work alongside someone with additional needs. For many people, there can be a fear of saying the wrong thing, and the workshop helped address this openly and constructively.

Laltex currently employs three Seashell students on a permanent basis and has one student undertaking a work experience placement. Robert, the first Seashell student to gain paid employment through this partnership, has now been a valued member of the team for seven years. His journey demonstrates the long-term impact of supported employment when the right structures and support are in place.

One powerful statistic shared during the workshop highlighted the wider importance of employment. Office for National Statistics data indicates that adults with disabilities who are in paid work can have life expectancy outcomes of up to 20 years higher than those who are not employed. Despite this, nationally only 4.8% of young people leaving education with an Education, Health and Care Plan moved into paid employment last year.

By contrast, outcomes at Seashell Trust show what is possible with the right support. Last year, 14% of Seashell leavers secured paid roles, rising to 25% the previous year. These figures demonstrate the impact that collaboration between educators, specialist teams, and employers can have.

Nicola Brown, Employer Engagement Lead at Seashell Trust, said:

“As Employer Engagement Lead, I see every day how inclusive employment transforms businesses, communities, and families. When organisations open their doors and truly embrace inclusion, the impact is extraordinary. Laltex is a shining example of what is possible when this happens. With determination, opportunity, and the right support, our students show time and again that anything is possible.”

Disability awareness in the workplace is not about special treatment. It is about understanding, empathy, and removing unnecessary barriers so people can thrive. Supported employment creates positive outcomes for individuals, businesses, and families alike, building confidence, purpose, and inclusive workplace cultures.

For organisations looking to explore supported employment, the key is partnership. Working with specialist organisations such as Seashell Trust provides tailored guidance, reassurance, and ongoing support. What may begin as a single placement can grow into long-term employment and life-changing outcomes.

At Laltex, our journey with Seashell Trust continues to show that inclusive employment is not only achievable. It is transformative. We hope our experience encourages other businesses to explore how supported employment could work for them.