Eric Joyce MP formally launched Shaw Trust's Falkirk employment service at Callender Business Park, Falkirk on Friday 19th November 2004.
To commemorate the special day Mr Joyce presented a ceremonial Quaich, which is a traditional two-handed cup of friendship to Shaw Trust staff and clients for their good fortune over the coming years.
Shaw Trust Employment is a specialist recruitment service that works with disabled and disadvantaged people to help them find and secure jobs.
Special guests included Dougie Vipond, Sports Commentator and four times Paralympics Gold Medal Winner, Jim Anderson.
Shaw Trust's expansion across Scotland is funded under the Government's New Deal for Disabled People (NDDP) Job Broker Programme, which provides a job finding service for people receiving incapacity or sickness benefits who want to get back to work.
Under this programme, Shaw Trust delivers a range of support depending on each individual's needs, including financial assistance, training, work tasters and job searching. Additional support involves working with both the employer and individual, assisting people with long-term health problems get back into work, or helping them retain their current jobs.
Eric Joyce MP said, "Disabled and disadvantaged people have, over the years and for different reasons, always faced extra challenges in accessing decent employment.
"Shaw Trust plays a remarkable role in helping the government create a better society, and helping people build better lives upon the foundation of their own potential.
"It's a privilege to be a small part of Shaw Trust's new venture in Falkirk and I look forward to maintaining a close local relationship." Thomas Moan, Shaw Trust Regional Employment Manager added, "There are over 8,250 people receiving Incapacity Benefit in West Lothian, 11,370 in Dunbartonshire and 15,945 in Forth Valley & Fife (source: DWP website).
"From our experience we know that a lot of these people want to know more about work but are worried about making contact with employers, losing benefits and being worse off financially.
"Shaw Trust has experience of all these things and I'd urge people to come and find out more about what we can do for them."
People who want to know more about Shaw Trust Employment can call FREEPHONE 0800 085 1001.
