Meridian mind the employment gap with Leonard Cheshire

As part of the collaboration, employees will be actively raising funds for the charity though their dress down days, office fundraising activities and challenge events.  

Talking about the brand-new partnership, Sarah Ward, Head of HR at Meridian Business Support said:

‘We realise that there is a real shortage in talent and we would like to do all we can to address the disability employment gap.

‘We feel sure that our partnership with Leonard Cheshire will help us to make a real difference by raising awareness not just within Meridian but with our clients too.’

This year, Meridian will also be participating in the charity’s Change 100 Graduate Internship programme at their Manchester office.

As part of the scheme, a talented intern will gain 100 day’s work experience, enabling them to gain essential experience while providing Meridian with valuable insight into the untapped talent disabled people offer. 

While Meridian are already signed up to the UK’s Disability Confident scheme, their work with Leonard Cheshire will help further their commitment and enable them to move toward the third and final level of the scheme, becoming a Disability Confident Leader.   

Jen Sweeney, Regional Fundraising Manager at Leonard Cheshire added:

‘We are thrilled about our new partnership with Meridian Business Support, which will no doubt help break down the barriers that disabled people often face when looking for work.

‘By working together, we will not only provide young people with essential skills and experience but also demonstrate to other employers the benefits of a more inclusive and diverse workforce.’

Media enquiries

Businesses that are interested in finding out more about the business benefits of connecting with Leonard Cheshire should go to: leonardcheshire.org/workforall 

Change 100

Leonard Cheshire launched the ambitious scheme in 2014, and since then the charity has been overwhelmed by the positive response from employers, students, and recent graduates. 

Meridian Business Support

Meridian Business Support is an award-winning national recruitment specialist supplying temporary, contract and permanent staffing solutions to clients across multiple sectors. The company is one of the largest privately owned recruitment specialists in the UK. Founded in 1989, it has 50 branch operations nationally and a turnover of £100 million. For further information, please visit www.meridianbs.co.uk.

Meridian Business Support Media enquiries

Please contact Helen Doughty, Marketing Manager at Meridian Business Support on 0161 929 3144 or email hdoughty@meridianbs.co.uk.