Burnley Motorpoint moves hidden disability service up a gear

The initiative is designed to encourage Motorpoint employees across England, Scotland and Wales, to not only recognise the Sunflower symbol on lanyards but how best to provide the customer wearing the lanyard with additional support while in store.

Full training is currently being provided to all staff while lanyards will also be available on site for customers to use if required.

Launched in 2016, the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Scheme indicates to people around the lanyard wearer that they may need additional support, help or just a little more time.

It has been widely adopted throughout the UK by a host of major public and private sector employers to assist people with disabilities which are not always immediately obvious – such as autism, dementia and visual or hearing impairments. In the UK 1 in 5 people have a disability, 80% of these are hidden.

Cat Moseley, chief people officer at Motorpoint, explained: “I’m incredibly proud to be rolling this scheme out across our stores.

"The scheme is excellent and truly helps to drive awareness and inclusion across the UK. Being supportive is in our team’s DNA so this scheme will now make it even easier for them to support their colleagues and customers alike in the way that is most appropriate to their needs.”

The backing for the Sunflower Lanyard Scheme comes only a matter of months after Motorpoint was shortlisted in the ‘Make A Difference’ category by the Recruitment Industry Disability Initiative in recognition for the work it does to encourage more disabled candidates to apply for roles within the business.