Stephen O’Connell, Manager LIDL Listowel with new employees Donal Lynch and Paul Scanlon.DOWN Syndrome Kerry has announced that two of their members have successfully secured employment with Lidl Listowel through the National Employment Partnership between Lidl Ireland and Down Syndrome Ireland.
Down Syndrome Ireland (Kerry) thanked Lidl Listowel and Store Manager Stephen O’Connell for the support, encouragement and commitment shown throughout the recruitment process.
Siobhan Walsh, Operations Manager Down Syndrome Kerry commented; “This exciting collaboration marks another positive step forward in creating meaningful employment opportunities for adults with Down syndrome in Kerry. It is an important pathway for advocacy & inclusion through Down Syndrome Ireland and our National Employment Programme”
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Tara O’Connor Regional Managing Director at Lidl Ireland added: “We are incredibly proud of our partnership with Down Syndrome Ireland and thrilled to welcome our two newest colleagues to the Lidl Listowel team. At Lidl, we are committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. This collaboration reflects our belief that a diverse team makes our business stronger and brings essential new perspectives and collaboration to our workforce”.
Sandra O’Donoghue, Employment and Learning Specialist with Down Syndrome Kerry, will support both the employees and Lidl staff throughout the on boarding process.
“We are incredibly proud of our two members who have secured these positions and grateful to Lidl Ireland and Stephen and his team in Listowel for embracing inclusive employment and recognising the valuable contribution people with Down syndrome can make in the workplace,” said Sandra.
Down Syndrome Kerry’s Employment Programme continues to support adults with Down syndrome to access meaningful employment opportunities throughout Kerry while working with local businesses to promote inclusive hiring practices and workplace diversity.
The organisation is encouraging employers across Kerry to learn more about the supports available through the programme and how inclusive employment can benefit both businesses and employees.
