Companies across Essex have been praised by national charity Mencap for employing people with learning disabilities.

This week is National Learning Disability Week and sees the launch of a new campaign by Mencap to end discrimination of learning disabled people in finding work.

The campaign is aiming at highlighting to businesses the many benefits of employing people with a learning disability.

Pam Wilkinson, Mencap spokeswoman said a case study where someone with a learning disability has proved successful could been seen at Fern Lodge residential care home in Rayne Road, Braintree.

"They currently employ a female member of staff with Down's Syndrome as a domestic, and this is her first job ever, although she is in her late 40s," she said.

Mrs Wilkinson added: "Our pathway officer supports her in her job, helping her with issues arising from her duties."

Brian Baldock, Mencap chairman, said: "People with a learning disability want and need jobs. Disabled people are hard working, loyal employees and we urge employers to think twice when recruiting and give people with a learning disability a chance."

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