Right way forward

"I decided I wanted to earn more money," said Mr Hemsworth, 39, who operates computerised machinery at OES Medical, a manufacturing plant on Radley Road Industrial Estate in Abingdon.

"I wanted to get out and about, and have something to get me up in the morning."

Before that, Mr Hemsworth, who began working at the factory last year, was spending a lot of his time in bed.

"For people with a learning disability, often it is not easy to secure a job," said Carole Coppin, deputy manager at Right Employment.

What the charity does is provide a job coach who supports the person until they are fully trained and confident working on their own.

"Sometimes, it can just take a little bit longer for someone with a learning disability to train," said Mrs Coppin, but this should not stop them from getting a job.

Richard Fiedorowicz, managing director at OES Medical said: "If someone is capable of doing the job, they should be given the opportunity, just like anyone else."

Right Employment, which contacts employers across Oxfordshire, cold-called the company one day. Mr Fiedorowicz explained: "For me it was great, because it was like having a personnel manager."

And Mr Hemsworth did not find it difficult to settle in at OES Medical.

He said: "The hardest thing was getting up at seven o'clock in the morning. Learning the work was fine."

His efforts have not gone unnoticed by his managers. "If I had three or four Marks working here, it would be wonderful," said Mr Fiedorowicz.

"He is a real asset to the company and has more interest than maybe a 17 or 18-year-old would.

"Everyone understands his condition and helps him out."

To work to its full potential, the employment scheme is reliant on the support of employers. With the support Right Employment provides, there is no reason why any employer should be concerned.

"Most employers are open to it..And if they are not, then they are not the type of people we want anyway," said Mrs Coppin.

The ethos behind Right Employment is not simply finding a job for someone - but the right job.

Mr Hemsworth had trials at two other jobs before finding the one he wanted at OES Medical.

He said: "I tried the other jobs but when I came here and saw the machines and the workshop I knew this was was the one I wanted."

Often, according to Mrs Coppin, there is a job that might not be the most inspiring, but it will suit someone.

"The employer might not even realise the position is there," she said.

"We had someone who was just flattening up empty cardboard boxes. Before that, anyone who was passing would have to clear them up. Everyone was so pleased."

The long-term benefits of the scheme are also important to consider, she said.

"There is expense initially, but long-term the person isn't on benefits anymore and is in employment, so it is cost effective for everyone."

The Peach Pub Company, which owns The Fishes in North Hinksey and The Fleece in Witney, also supports Right Employment.

Natalie Langham, part of the central team for Peach Pubs, said: "For me it was a personal thing, as my sister has Down's syndrome and I have always worked with groups locally."

Ms Langham was put in touch with Right Employment about three years ago.

"I think it is important for people with a learning disability to be able to get out and work like anyone else," she said.

"They have more to offer than just sitting at home, and that is what can happen.

"I have never come across any problems. All of our staff are open-minded and caring and I feel the scheme works very well - as long as the person is confident and has a routine."

She added: "Having a purpose and to feel you are achieving something is very important for everybody."

One of Mr Hemsworth's favourite things about work is the money he gets at the end of it - he likes to spend it on DVDs and CDs.

He added: "Work really means a lot to me now.

I could not do without it. I felt very happy and proud when I didn't need support any more."

n Contact: Carole Coppin, Right Employment, 0773 3006463