Contract logistics provider GXO Logistics employs 40,000 people in the UK and is the largest single employer of adults with Down’s syndrome. Cathy Earnshaw-Balding, head of diversity, inclusion and belonging at GXO Logistics, says: “Disability is one of the six pillars for our strategy on diversity, inclusion and belonging. We are constantly looking at ways we can bring more people with disabilities into our organisation and the broader industry.”
To do this, GXO Logistics works with local and national charities and the Department for Work and Pensions to place people in paid employment. “We started working with WorkFit, the Down’s Syndrome Association’s employment programme, back in 2017,” she explains. “They tell us they have someone looking for work and ask if we can support them with employment.”
Once a suitable vacancy is identified, the prospective employee will visit the site with their parents or carer and a representative from WorkFit. “We want them to see what it’s like and whether it’s something they want to do,” says Earnshaw-Balding. “If it is, we can then talk to them about their expectations and the adjustments they might need. Everyone’s different: some people only want to work one day a week; others might want to work four or five days.”
As well as flexibility around work, GXO Logistics is also keen to develop its talent. “All our training is accessible so that everyone can benefit from career development,” she adds. “We also offer our full range of employee benefits to everybody, ensuring that the communications are inclusive too.”
Another highlight of the GXO Logistics calendar is the Big Logistics Diversity Challenge, an initiative set up to showcase and promote diversity and inclusion in the logistics and warehousing sectors. “It’s a bit like It’s a Knockout and we select our team based on the commitment and support they have given to diversity and inclusion over the past 12 months: we were very proud to win the award for most diverse team last year,” says Earnshaw-Balding.
