A BUSINESS run entirely by disabled people in York is to take on its first apprentice joiner since starting up last year.

The York Disabled Workers Co-operative currently employs six staff, including a skilled woodworker, after it was established with funding from a number of trade unions in May 2010.

The business in James Street includes former workers of Remploy which closed in 2008 with the loss of 51 jobs.

Now the workers say they are proud to be able to offer the chance of employment to a young disabled person.

Co-founder John Wilson, 61, said: “We are hoping it to be a three year apprenticeship with all the training up to NVQ level.

“They would be trained on machinery and will be a joiner and machinist.”

He said the co-operative currently had a shortlist of possible candidates but would consider other young disabled people who thought they would be suitable and could operate the necessary machinery safely.

“It’s a proud moment that we have got to this position,” he said. “The aim of this was to build up to 11 disabled workers here; at the moment there are six of us.”

Mr Wilson said the co-operative had received two years of funding for the new position from the GMB union with backing from several others.

The business specialises in high quality garden furniture, gazebos, made-to-order fences and animal homes.

For more information, phone 01904 421091.