A new partnership between Durham County Council, Durham Enable and Morrisons has been launched to support people with disabilities, neurodiversity, or long-term health conditions into meaningful employment. This collaboration, facilitated by Durham Enable, a council service that assists job seekers aged 18 and over, aims to offer opportunities to those who may face barriers to finding and maintaining work.
The pilot programme recently placed five job seekers in work placements at three Morrisons stores in County Durham, providing a six-week trial period for participants to learn and develop essential job skills. Each participant received ongoing support from Durham Enable job coaches who provided guidance between shifts, helping them build confidence and adapt to their roles.
The trial saw positive outcomes: two participants continued into paid employment with Morrisons, while a third job seeker leveraged their new skills to secure a job with another employer. The success of this programme has inspired Morrisons to work with Durham Enable on expanding the pilot to additional stores across the county, opening doors for more job seekers.
Cllr Ted Henderson, Cabinet member for children and young people’s services at Durham County Council, highlighted the importance of such initiatives: “This scheme allowed us to work with a large employer to provide a supportive trial period that follows the job seeker’s pace, helping them build the skills they need to succeed. We’re thrilled to see some participants transition into employment and wish them well in
their new roles.”
Morrisons’ People Manager Claire Coulthard also expressed enthusiasm for the partnership: “We’re proud to work with Durham Enable to offer work opportunities to those with disabilities, neurodiversity, or health conditions. It’s a privilege to support such a valuable organisation, and we look forward to strengthening our partnership.”
