From left: SWM directors Raymond Penfold and Shawn Akers, are pictured with North Devon MP Nick Harvey and Marise Mackie.

Waste management company recognised as ‘top’ employer.

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SOUTH West Metals and Waste Recycling (SWM) has been presented with a Pluss Employer of the Year award for helping disabled people into work.

The Barnstaple-based independent waste management firm has employed four disabled people through social enterprise company Pluss.

It is hoped that a further two trainees will secure permanent employment in the next six months.

The company has also hosted 10 work experience placements and has made a commitment to ongoing work experience at all its sites including in Bideford, Barnstaple and South Molton.

Shawn Akers, director at SWM, was presented with the award on behalf of the organisation by North Devon MP Nick Harvey on Friday morning.

Mr Akers said: “Offering work experience and paid employment to individuals with learning difficulties and disabilities is challenging but immensely rewarding as well.

“We have seen many benefits from the relationship; quite apart from being able to recruit from a sizeable talent pool, we have been able to enhance and improve our own mentoring skills, have been able to test our risk assessments and safe systems of work in a real and meaningful way, and have ensured our policies and procedures are open, transparent and fair to all.”

Pluss Barnstaple manager, Marise Mackie, said: “SWM have demonstrated time and time again to be a really positive and inclusive employer of disabled people – their ethos comes from the very top and permeates throughout every department.

“SWM always focuses on skills and ability - never on disability. They are always willing to give people a chance.”