Businesses encouraged to engage in Inclusive Employment Programme
10 February 2026
An innovative Inclusive Employment Programme is helping people with disabilities across the Derry and Strabane area to prepare for and access meaningful employment, while also helping local employers build more inclusive workplaces.
The programme is funded by the Department for Communities through the Derry & Strabane Labour Market Partnership (LMP). Labour Market Partnerships enable councils to develop targeted employment action plans and work collaboratively at local and regional level to support people in finding sustainable employment.
Delivered by leading social enterprise organisation, the NOW Group, the Inclusive Employment Programme is designed to support local residents who have a disability and are seeking to enter employment. The programme also works directly with employers across the district who want to learn more about employing people with disabilities and how best to support them in their work.
Participants benefit from a comprehensive package of accredited training, personalised support and real-world work experience. This includes certifications such as the OCN NI Level 1 Award in Employability Skills, World Host Principles of Customer Service, and the World Host Ambassador Workshop.
Each participant receives tailored, one-to-one support to help identify their abilities, existing skills, qualifications and employment aspirations. Individual needs and barriers are assessed, with access to targeted training and support aligned to employment goals.
A key element of the programme is placement and work trial opportunities. Participants are matched with employers based on their interests and strengths, gaining practical, on-the-job experience. They are also supported with job searching and applications, including understanding job descriptions and person specifications, CVs, cover letters, interview techniques and Access NI processes.
All participant places on the programme have now been successfully filled and are underway. NOW Group is now calling on employers to come forward who would like to learn more about the programme, are interested in recruiting people with disabilities, or can offer a placement opportunity to the right participant.
Employers play a central role in the programme, with NOW Group currently engaging businesses across the city and district who are keen to learn more about employing people with disabilities. Employers receive guidance on available supports, reasonable adjustments and inclusive practices, and can offer placement opportunities with a guaranteed interview at the end.
Encouraging more employers to engage with the programme, Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Ruairí McHugh said: “This programme demonstrates our commitment to inclusive growth and ensuring that everyone in our community has the opportunity to reach their full potential. By working in partnership with the Labour Market Partnership and NOW Group, we are supporting residents with disabilities in accessing employment while helping employers create more diverse and inclusive workplaces.”
Nicky Gilleece, Manager of the Derry & Strabane Labour Market Partnership, added:
“The Inclusive Employment Programme is a great example of how Labour Market Partnerships can respond to local need. By connecting participants with tailored support and employers with the right guidance, we are helping to break down barriers to employment and deliver positive outcomes for individuals and businesses alike.”
Clare Jordan, Employment Development Manager from NOW Group said: “We are delighted to be delivering this programme and to see participants already engaging positively with training and placements. Inclusive employment benefits everyone - individuals, employers and the wider economy - and we are excited to continue building strong employer partnerships across the district.”
For further information, please contact:
Clare Jordan, Employment Development Manager, NOW Group - [email protected], or find out more at https://www.nowgroup.org/