OmniServ, the leading provider of assistance for disabled air passengers in the UK, is excited to be a Founding Strategic Partner of PurpleSpace, a networking and professional development hub for disabled employees, network and resource group leaders and allies aimed at supporting employees coping with the experience of ill health, disability or the repercussions of an accident or injury, while also flourishing at work.
Sam Saunders, OmniServ’s Head of Innovation & Regulatory Compliance, says:
“Employing people with disabilities is the right thing to do in an increasingly responsible, accessible and inclusive business world. But it’s more than just a moral imperative; it also is a logical move for us which strengthens our team. If we’re going to deliver the best possible experience we can for disabled passengers, then disabled employees can contribute particularly valuable skills and insights based on their personal experiences. They have first-hand knowledge of what it is like to travel with a disability, and they can communicate that knowledge to the rest of the OmniServ team. Being a PurpleSpace Strategic Partner will further enhance our understanding of how we can deliver a better service built around real experience.”
OmniServ will be participating in this year’s #PurpleLightUp on 3rd December 2019, a global solidarity campaign recognising the economic contribution of people with disabilities. This is held to coincide with and celebratethe International Day of Persons with Disability, which was established by the United Nations in 1992.
Kate Nash OBE, CEO and Creator of PurpleSpace, says: “It’s great to have OmniServ on board as a Strategic Partner. They not only have real experience of helping disabled people navigate the airport and airline experience so they can have a holiday like everyone else, they are also committed to extending employment opportunities for disabled people within their own organization.”
In March 2018, OmniServ announced plans to achieve Disability Confident Employer status as soon as possible. This is a UK Government-backed programme to encourage companies to invest in supporting disabled employees, whether existing staff or newly recruited ones. OmniServ will see the company launch a range of initiatives aimed at integrating disabled staff across all its operations and ensuring they get the same opportunities as everyone else to grow their careers.
As a Disability Confident Committed Employer, OmniServ has committed to:
● Ensuring its recruitment process is inclusive and accessible.
● Communicating and promoting vacancies.
● Offering an interview to disabled people.
● Anticipating and providing reasonable adjustments as required.
● Supporting any existing employee who acquires a disability or long-term health condition, enabling them to stay in work.
According to Civil Aviation Authority statistics, UK air travel grew 19% between 2010 – 2017. During the same period of time, the numbers of passengers requiring assistance has grown an incredible 47%.
OmniServ is the UK’s leading airline and airport assistance services provider, and provides assistance for People With Reduced Mobility (PRM) passengers at Heathrow, one of the world’s busiest international passenger airports, as well as at Manchester, Liverpool, Edinburgh and Stansted. Every year, it helps nearly 2 million PRM passengers.
While many passengers may have visible disabilities, OmniServ recognizes that there are many people too who may have hidden disabilities. OmniServ actively works with a range of charities to ensure assistance is available to those with hidden disabilities too, including autism, impaired vision, hearing problems and medical conditions such as Meniere’s Syndrome or colostomies.
Antony Marke, Managing Director of OmniServ, says: “At OmniServ, it is our fundamental belief that every customer, regardless of their assistance needs, has the right to enjoy air travel with comfort and dignity. We support more than1.7 million passengers with every type of disability every year, and look forward to partnering with PurpleSpace to continue vital work to ensure that travel is accessible for everyone, including those with visible or hidden disabilities.”
