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Despite his keen attitude and willingness to work, Chris has struggled to find employment due to his learning difficulties and added support needs. Morgan Sindall have provided part time employment as a labourer to assist in Chris’s personal development. 

A bit about Chris

Chris is 34 and has lived in Accrington all his life. He attended Broadfield Specialist School and has independently obtained a CSCS card from Blackburn College. Chris has learning difficulties and receives disability allowance, supported accommodation and ongoing care and support from the National Care Group (NCG). 

How did we provide support? 

Chris noticed the construction work happening in the town square and approached the team about employment both in person and by phone. He was advised to attend Morgan Sindall’s Getting Connected where he registered with Morgan Sindall’s Labour Desk. We coordinated with NCG to assess Chris’s capabilities and support needs and worked with them to conduct a risk assessment for his employment.

What does his role entail?

Chris is undertaking 8 hours a week paid work as a labouring assistant. He has been assisting the site team in strip out works, such as removing cupboards and old vinyl flooring from the old Market Hall as well as other general site support works. Christopher hopes to work up to 20 hours a week and wishes to take on more responsibilities, which will continue to be assessed with the NCG.

Why did we do this, what benefit did it provide?

Christopher was unemployed and describes it as being boring. He was very interested in the construction site and keen to work and try new things. This paid opportunity has given Chris a sense of achievement and independence. It has improved his confidence, and he’s made new friends amongst the site team.

Councillor Noordad Aziz, Portfolio Holder for Transformation, Education and Skills, shared his perspective:
“We are proud of the positive impact the Accrington Town Square construction project is having for Chris. His journey highlights the wider social value benefits that such initiatives bring. By providing meaningful employment opportunities for local people, we are supporting individual growth and development and creating a more inclusive and supportive work environment.

Chris’ enthusiasm for work is inspiring, and his success highlights the importance of creating pathways to employment for everyone to contribute and thrive.”

Chris’s perspective

“I absolutely love working at Morgan Sindall and getting paid for being at work. I hope to work more hours when the project gets going. I have a lot of responsibility being assistant site manager helping to manage all the lads onsite. I’ve also been doing labouring, cleaning the rooms out and ripping the old vinyl flooring from the market hall – this is a really difficult task because it’s stuck solid with superglue but it’s very important it gets done. I would like to visit more Morgan Sindall sites in the future and also the office in Salford which is near Manchester United’s football grounds.” Chris

Find out more:

Accrington Town Square’s projects have been made possible through the Government funding. For further information about the Accrington Town Square transformation and to find out how to get involved in the various upcoming projects, head to Home – Accrington Town Square.