Welsh Government
Printable version E-mail this to a friend

Welsh Government helps disabled workers into employment

Disabled employees gain more work opportunities through a new Welsh Government project in conjunction with Remploy.

The 'proof of concept' pilot - set up through the 'xchangewales programme' will see workers carrying out invoice scanning services for Welsh public sector organisations.

The project will run for approximately eight weeks from April 2012. Local authorities in Merthyr Tydfil, Swansea and Flintshire are taking part.

Minister for Finance and Leader of the House, Mrs Jane Hutt AM said:

"I am delighted that we are able to use the specialist employment services of Remploy to test this important 'proof of concept'. 
"Supported employment is an excellent way to secure and retain paid employment for people with disabilities and to support the long-term unemployed back to work. 

"In addition, the conversion of paper invoices to electronic invoices will deliver significant savings and efficiencies to the Welsh public sector: a win-win situation for both the public sector and our communities in Wales."

Alan Hill, Director of Remploy Enterprise Businesses, said:

"We're delighted to be working with the Welsh Government. Together we are providing Welsh authorities with unique services and providing work opportunities for disabled people in the region."

It is estimated that the Welsh public sector processes between four and five million invoices each year. One of the aims of the xchangewales programme is to deliver efficiencies by increasing the volumes of electronic invoices received by organisations rather than traditional paper invoices.  The pilot has the potential to scan up to one million invoices per year, providing stable jobs for disabled people.

Related Links

Disability

Recruiters Handbook: Download now and take the first steps towards developing a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive organisation.