Richard met with Employability Essex recently.
Speaking after the meeting, Richard said:
"While there are clearly some people who try to get themselves signed off to go on benefits who can work - and they need to be stopped - there are also real cases of people with disabilities and long-term health conditions who need a bit of extra help to get into the workplace.
I met the great team behind Employability Essex in Basildon to chat about their specialist work to get people with disabilities and long-term health conditions into paid employment.
They’re a charity covering Essex and are working with the NHS, DWP, and the county council. It was really interesting to hear how they provide tailored, one-to-one support including CV building, interview preparation, job matching, and workplace adjustments.
They really stressed that they don’t only help people gain meaningful employment, but that they also improve people’s sense of themselves and mental wellbeing by reducing social isolation and lessening the need for repeated GP visits or extended sick leave.
I’m glad to hear that they have a dedicated team based in Basildon and Billericay, and that they’re working with plenty of organisations that I’ve already met in the patch.
Crucially, I can see how their work has a significant impact on the wider community, contributing to economic stability and reducing reliance on public services. I’m glad to provide my backing and support to them as they help get people into the right work for them.
If you or someone you know would be interested in chatting to them, check out their website for more details and to find out how to get in touch: https://e-a.org.uk/"
