New facility will create jobs for disabled and disadvantaged Scots
Social firm Haven Enterprises has opened a new workshop in Larbert to create job opportunities for disabled and disadvantaged people.
The 53,000 sq ft facility was opened by deputy first minister John Swinney and will encompass three supported businesses.
The Larbert site will also house a new Centre for Training Excellence as a joint initiative with Momentum, Falkirk Council and the Scottish Government.
This two-year jointly funded pilot project aims to support disabled people to access quality, sustainable employment aligned with national and local policies and programmes, using a connected and integrated approach.
David Whyte, chief operations officer at Haven Enterprises, said: “Throughout its history, Haven has had a very simple objective of continually striving to create as many sustainable employment opportunities for disabled people as possible.
The opening of the new facility is another major step in our vow of support - John Swinney
“The last two years has seen significant growth in the breadth and scope of our businesses that compete in a commercially competitive environment through the delivery of high quality, cost effective products and services.”
Haven, part of the Momentum Group, was established in 1946 and has provided employment for hundreds of disabled people in Scotland in a range of businesses from packaging to recycling.
In recent years the social firm has developed its supported businesses, and has recently undergone considerable growth, doubling its workforce which now stands at 250 people, 220 of whom are disabled or disadvantaged.
John Swinney said: “The Scottish Government is firmly committed to equality for disabled people and are striving to create a Scotland that is fair and inclusive to all. A crucial part of enabling people to play a full and satisfying role in their communities - is employability.
“When the UK government closed Remploy in 2012 hundreds of disabled people were left without employment or prospects.
“The Scottish Government committed to step in and do all it could to help those in need.
“The opening of the new facility is another major step in our vow of support.”
