Shane McDermott – Production Assistant

“Work gives me something to get up for. I feel like I’m contributing something valuable and I enjoy the routine of work”

Shane McDermott, 48, arrived at Andel Ltd of Huddersfield at just the right time. The company was expanding its production unit and Shane was keen and ready to work.  After being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), Shane was determined to continue working and has been with Andel for seven years. He works alongside other staff producing and testing circuit boards and panels that are used by engineers out on site.

Employer's story

Julie Greenwood, Operations Director at Andel, understands the difficulties that some disabled people may face in finding work. She is a supportive employer who believes that even when individuals have been through long periods of unemployment – for whatever reason – it doesn’t mean they are unemployable. Managers at Andel feel a sense of social responsibility towards the community and have worked effectively with local agencies to support potential employees, including disabled people.

Inclusive policies

Andel employs three disabled people in total and managers have made it their responsibility to learn more about their disability or health condition. For example, when Shane was first employed, Julie researched his condition on the internet so that she could understand more about the symptoms and effects of MS. Around 85,000 people in the UK have MS and according to the Multiple Sclerosis Society, most people with the condition are of working age when diagnosed.

However, the company believes that each individual is in the best position to advise managers about a disability or long-term health condition and how it may affect the type of work they can do. This approach has helped Andel to implement a recruitment policy that is genuinely inclusive. Julie says “Shane is a very dedicated and loyal employee. His job requires great attention to detail and he has that ability”.

Employee's story

Work is very important to Shane and he feels that disabled people should always think of what they can do for an employer or what they can contribute in terms of their skills and abilities. He doesn’t require any particular physical support, special equipment or adjustments at work. “Everything that I need to use for my job such as tools or parts are within easy reach which is good for me” says Shane.

MS affects people in different ways and symptoms are often invisible. In Shane’s case, his main symptom is tiredness. Sometimes his balance is affected which is another symptom of the condition. His work at Andel suits him because he works part-time hours and can also do most of his work sitting down at a bench.  “I had to get used to working indoors as I was used to being out and about. But I quite liked the change of pace” says Shane.

Positive about work

Despite his diagnosis, Shane has remained positive about his prospects for work. He says, “I wanted to prove I could do the job and as it turns out my disability didn’t affect me as much as I thought it would. I haven’t needed any time off work due to illness”.

Employers, he says, should be equally positive. He adds, “Employers should always think about the potential of disabled people and they’ll find people who have something to offer” .

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