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Organic food store chain Bachsermärt is closing its branch in Eglisau ZH for good at the end of July. Not because of a drop in demand: the branch is a place of education for students who need support. “But we are getting fewer requests for apprenticeships on the Zurich plains,” explains Patrick Honauer (58), managing director of Bachsermärt, which has five branches in total. Therefore the store in Eglisau is no longer needed.
The main aim of the training center is social inclusion. «More and more companies are offering coaching positions. “Therefore, less space is needed in a fully controlled environment,” says Honauer.
Could this development be felt throughout Switzerland? A question for Jonas Staub (49), an inclusion expert and founder of Blindspot, a non-profit organization that promotes inclusion both in the workplace and in life and play.
Mr. Staub, is there progress in educational attainment?
Jonas Staub: The primary labor market is increasingly understanding the issue of inclusion. But only to a certain extent. The potential of all disabled people is not being realised; I don’t see any improvement there. Workshops for disabled people are often used as a way out.
Is there no point in such workshops?
Not necessarily. The problem is that disabled people are talked about for the rest of their lives. Young people with disabilities miss the connection if they first go to private school and then receive training in a workshop. It would be optimal to be included during initial training or in the initial job market. There is a need for platforms where people with and without people meet.
People with disabilities can meet on equal terms and learn from each other. That’s exactly what we offer.
Does it work?
Yes, our restaurants, such as Fabrique28 in Bern, operate like regular restaurants and are self-financing. Our disabled employees receive performance pay and can sometimes earn up to six times more than in a workshop. This reduces additional benefits, which reduces the burden on taxpayers. But the biggest obstacle is the system.
From where?
The issue is property financing in the study area. The workshops are funded, the employees are not. Because of this financing system, disabled people have no choice about where they want to work. The separation system is still too strong to allow accelerated development.
What needs to change in the system?
Comprehensive issue financing would be a solution. Thus, people who need support can choose where they want to work. My wish is for companies to open their doors and offer training positions in the primary labor market. Because this will be added value for the company and our society. If one person can contribute three percent, that’s three percent, not zero.
Are companies willing to employ people with disabilities?
Without solutions, companies are ignorant and unmotivated because they cannot see the added value. But when we offer them these solutions, they are very open. With our new project, we want to support companies in offering training positions for people with disabilities in the primary labor market. There is intense interest from companies. We are already in contact with IV and want to start training in the summer of 2025. Our restaurants are our role models.
How can this be further encouraged?
The topic of disability is still a taboo or shameful subject; therefore participation is often misunderstood. Politics is a very important actor. Promoting people individually makes it possible to be excluded from society in the first place. Therefore, the legislation needs to change. But also the mentality in society: because inclusivity is added value for all of us.
Source :Blick
I’m Tim David and I work as an author for 24 Instant News, covering the Market section. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism, my mission is to provide accurate, timely and insightful news coverage that helps our readers stay informed about the latest trends in the market. My writing style is focused on making complex economic topics easy to understand for everyone.
