Mulalley supported Croydon Commitment’s Corporate Open Door Day, a work experience taster session where local businesses welcome disabled people into their offices for one day of shadowing, CV building and employability skills advice.

The aim of the day was to build the confidence of those who have not been in employment for some time (or at all) by giving an introduction to work and encouraging people to try something new as well as challenging employer perceptions of hiring someone with a disability.

The effects of long-term unemployment can be damaging, particularly to one’s self-confidence. There is an approximately 30 percentage point gap between disabled and non-disabled people in work, representing over 2 million people. Croydon Commitment therefore wanted to specifically focus on those with learning difficulties, mental health and physical disabilities for their Corporate Open Door Day.

Mulalley opened its doors to Ian Wonacott, a local unemployed man who has back problems following an accident. The day gave him the opportunity to meet new people, try new tasks in a new environment, network and receive employability skills advice.

Ian said “The team at Mulalley were very welcoming and made me feel at ease. The agenda for the day was brilliant. I found the session very helpful and enjoyable.”

Mulalley Operations Director Bruce Benson said: “Mulalley is always keen to give back to the communities in which we work and as a foundation partner of Croydon Commitment, we were very happy to take part in this important initiative.”