Our purpose is offer job opportunties with regards to the employment of disabled people, in particular those of the York factory. If a person is working class and disabled then the opportunities afforded to them to gain decent employment are very limited. We know as disabled workers, that despite the legislation against discrimination in the UK, employers in the main still view disabled people as a liability or a potential problem and as such often choose not to employ people with disabilities.

Due to the current economic crisis and the potential of massive job losses in the public and private sector, the situation will worsen and make the chances of decent employment for disabled people much lower. We will provide an opportunity in York for decent employment for disabled people. We will hopefully take on a young apprentice who will have the opportunity to learn woodworking skills that could stand them in good stead for the rest of their lives.

“It’s a new concept. It’s about giving people with learning difficulties or disabilities a chance to run their own co-operative.”
John Wilson, founder member of YDWC.

"I can personally vouch for the quality of the products and would recommend any one thinking of looking for garden or pet products to give the York members a chance to provide you with a quote at the very least.
I hope you will support a growing co-operative which is pledged to support the Union and employ disabled people as equals in the workplace."
Paul Kenny, GMB General Secretary

Recent Media Coverage of York Disabled Workers Cooperative...

15th July 2010-- York Disabled Workers Co-operative receive donations and orders (The Press, York)
18th May 2010 -- York Disabled Workers Cooperative Officially Open (The Press, York)
17th May 2010 -- York Disabled Workers Cooperative Set Up (GMB Yorkshire)