Leckie works at a commercial laundry, Ensign Services (Ensign), in the Australian Capital Territory.
Leckie’s job involves folding towels, washers, sheets and other items and then counting and bundling the laundry with the correct number of each item in each bundle.
Because of her Down syndrome, Leckie is slower to complete tasks than her peers, can only follow simple instructions and has difficulty concentrating and communicating.
Through the support of Disability Employment Network member, Job Solve, and the Supported Wage System, Leckie has been able to work full time for over 10 years by matching her productivity with a fair wage.
Through the Supported Wage System eligible people with disability can access a reliable process of productivity-based wage assessment to determine fair pay for fair work.
In Leckie’s case, her productivity was assessed at 70 per cent compared with her peers. Therefore, her employer can legally pay Leckie 70 per cent of award wages. This means that Ensign has gained a reliable employee and Leckie has gained an opportunity to participate in the competitive, open labour market.
Job Solve also provides ongoing assistance to Leckie and Ensign, including:
- fortnightly meetings with Leckie’s manager and supervisor to work through any issues
- liaison with Leckie’s other support providers, for example transport to and from work
- backup assistance if other support arrangements fall through.
Leckie and Job Solve hope to continue their relationship with Ensign for years to come.
You can help job seekers who find it difficult to get and keep a job at full wage rates by suggesting the Support Wage System. In the same way, you can support employers to keep a valued employee whose job may be at risk due to lack of productivity related to their disability.
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