A massive congratulations to Chatfields Sheffield, who have been named ‘MS Employer of the Year’ at the prestigious MS Society Awards 2014 for their work supporting employees with multiple sclerosis (MS).
Chatfields was one of three companies to reach the finals in the category of 'MS Employer of the Year', after being nominated by Team Member Kay Thompson, who has worked at the Dealership for over 21 years and was diagnosed with MS a year before she joined. Dealer Principal, Steve Wright, involved Remploy, the UK's leading provider of employment services, who help to support disabled jobseekers and work with employers and partners to ensure that companies receive advice and support.
Steve Wright and Kay Thompson attended the star studded awards ceremony at the Radisson Blu Portman Hotel, London, which were hosted by BBC Radio1 DJ Scott Mills. The judges for the category were looking for an organisation that creates excellent working environments for staff and shows consistent consideration and awareness of the fluctuating condition of MS, something they strongly felt Chatfields Sheffield takes into account.
On being named ‘MS Employer of the Year’ Steve Wright said “as a company it’s exactly what we strive to be. Everybody in our business will be so proud of the achievement, it’s quite overwhelming for us”.
The Dealership has reduced Kay's working hours due to her fatigue and created a new post for her with no stressful end of month targets or deadlines, but still made sure Kay felt like a valuable part of the Team. In addition to this, Kay has received an ergonomic chair, a bigger PC screen, a desk on the ground floor nearer the toilet, and her own parking space right outside the office door.
Pictured above, Steve and Kay with Great British Bake Off star Kimberley Wilson who presented them with the award.
There are currently over 100,000 people living with multiple sclerosis (MS) in the UK. Symptoms of MS usually start in your 20s or 30s. The condition can get steadily worse, or remain unpredictable throughout your life - one day you can be fine, the next you might lose your sight or be unable to move.
For more information about the MS Society visit their website www.mssociety.org.uk, and to see a video of this year’s awards click here. http://www.youtube.com/v/BwHC6EhVri4
