The Edinburgh Zoo has announced a partnership with Down's Syndrome Scotland to boost inclusive employment in Scotland.
The collaboration is beginning with two adults with Down's syndrome joining the zoo's admissions and retail teams later this year.
Ben Supple, deputy chief executive of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, said: "Fewer than seven percent of adults with learning disabilities are in paid work in Scotland, compared to the national employment rate of almost seventy-five percent.
"These roles will initially run for several months during the summer with the hope they will lead to longer-term opportunities as part of this exciting new partnership."
In addition, the organisation will exclusively advertise three additional seasonal roles at Edinburgh Zoo to other charity and community partners.
"Meaningful employment and being close to wildlife can have enormous physical and mental health and wellbeing advantages, which in turn benefits nature," said Supple.
Inclusive employment in Scotland
"However, many communities face significant barriers to employment, including disabilities, limited access to inclusive job opportunities and challenges such as transport or the lack of appropriate workplace support.
"We are therefore creating job opportunities at Edinburgh Zoo which will be advertised in the first instance to the many charities and community groups we are privileged to work with."
Down’s Syndrome Scotland is launching an inclusive employment partnership programme nationally this autumn, and is inviting interested employers to get involved.
"Too often the issue is not ability or ambition but the systems and structures within workplaces," said Jo Davidson, the charity’s inclusive employment lead.
“Many people with Down’s syndrome want to work and have valuable skills to contribute, yet opportunities remain extremely limited.
“By working with charities like the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, we can focus on people’s strengths and potential while providing the training and support that helps both employers and employees succeed."
Images courtesy of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland
