Harris Farm Markets is a chain of fresh food markets that has come to realise the positive impact employing people with disability has on their business. Harris Farm Markets is a family owned Australian company that began in 1971 with one store in the western suburbs of Sydney. The business has grown to 20 stores across Sydney.
David Harris, the CEO of Harris Farm Markets first considered the idea of employing people with disability when his niece Sarah, who has an intellectual disability, was declining physically and mentally as a result of not being employed. David thought his niece would benefit greatly if she was able to do some work.
David decided to approach Jobsupport for advice. Jobsupport is a federally funded employment program that places, trains and maintains people with an intellectual disability into open employment.
Jobsupport explained the process for recruiting people with intellectual disability and the range of government assistance available to assist employers. “The way the system worked is absolutely fantastic”, David said.
Through the support of Harris Farm and Jobsupport, Sarah commenced work and is really enjoying her job “Its coming up to my 11th year at Harris Farm, I love it”, said Sarah.
Luke noticed Sarah was benefiting greatly as a result of her employment. “My cousin Sarah used to be a shy and timid girl, as she is interacting with all the staff and customers her confidence is growing”.
Due to the great benefits all round Harris Farm decided to approach Jobsupport for assistance and they have since increased the amount of people they employ with intellectual disabilities. “We would like to put someone in every store if we can”.
Jobsupport provide a training and support base and continually drop in to monitor how the arrangement is working. “It was much more than we expected” David said.
“As long as the person is employed, there will always be someone coming into the store and providing some ongoing support” said Rachael, manager of Jobsupport, Chatswood.
“It’s been a great success for Harris Farm Markets, its been a great success for my cousin Sarah and all the other employees at Harris Farm”, Luke said.
“Our customers love us for it, the feedback is fantastic and our retention rate is better than with other employees”, David said.
“It not only works but it is extremely cost effective” David said.
Luke Harris, the Chief Operating Officer of Harris Farm explained how it is a win for all involved, “It works well for the whole community, from our employees to our customers to us on a profit and loss statement, all in all, it’s a win, win, win” Luke said.
You can search for an employment service provider in your local area by visiting the Australian JobSearch web site below (link will open in a new window):
Australian JobSearch A JobAccess adviser can also assist you in finding an employment service provider in your local area on free call 1800 464 800.