With almost half of disabled people in the UK unemployed, and disabled people with learning difficulties, autism and mental illness the least likely to be in work, soft drinks company Britvic is redoubling its efforts to ensure an inclusive work environment and diverse workforce.
To mark Neurodiversity Celebration Week, the makers of drinks such as J2O, Robinsons and Tango, has announced its membership of the non-profit organisation Business Disability Forum – kicking off the membership with a session allowing all its employees to learn about neurodiversity and the introduction of neurodiverse-optimised rooms at its offices in Hemel Hempstead and Solihull.
Paul Graham, Britvic’s Managing Director for Great Britain, said “We know that traditionally work environments have not been designed with neurodiverse needs in mind. We also know that to thrive as a business and a society the strategic thinking, problem solving and eye for detail of neurodiverse people is invaluable.
“With a neurodiverse family that represents dyslexia, dyspraxia and attention deficit disorder, this is a cause close to my heart and I have seen the opportunities that neurodiversity can bring.
“Introducing working environments designed to meet neurodiverse needs is one of the simple changes we can make to ensure everyone belongs at Britvic, and I’m sure with the support of the Business Disability Forum we’ll be able to do so much more.”
Recently introduced rooms at Britvic’s Hemel Hempstead head office and Solihull office have been designed with the input of members of Britvic’s B-Seen network – a group championing people with disabilities and diverse abilities within the business. When designing these rooms, the colour palette, lighting and acoustics were all taken into consideration – resulting in work environments with soundproofing, softer lighting and muted colours to ensure neurodiverse colleagues can thrive.
Adrian Ward, Head of Partnership at Business Disability Forum, said: “We are delighted to welcome Britvic to membership of Business Disability Forum and we look forward to working closely with them supporting their disability inclusion priorities.
“Becoming a Member of Business Disability Forum demonstrates that disability inclusion is something that Britvic is passionate about and is fully committed to.”
This is the latest action by Britvic, who joined disability inclusion campaign The Valuable 500 in 2020, to ensure that disability inclusion is always on its business leadership agenda.
For further information please contact:
Amy Deedman
Corporate Communications Advisor
+44 (0)7761 757524
pressoffice@britvic.com