THE father of a former Worcester schoolgirl who died river boarding in New Zealand is among parents urging businesses to attend an event about the benefits of employing people with learning disabilities.

Chris Jordan set up the Emily Jordan Foundation to help individuals with moderate learning and physical disabilities to lead valued and fulfilled lives in memory of his daughter, a former Alice Ottley pupil who died while on a gap year in April 2008.

He is backing this month’s event which aims to make it easier for people who have a learning disability to find work.

Mr Jordan, from Trimpley, whose son Alex has learning disabilities, said: “It is very important that this group of individuals, who are disadvantaged in so many ways in society, have a clear route into employment opportunities.

“They can make very good employees when given the right support – they can contribute to the companies they work for, and indeed society, in a positive way. From their perspective work is an immensely important part of their lives – meeting new people and working tothe level they can achieve is what they want to do.

“This is a complete win-win for all concerned – for the employer, the individual and the society we live in,” he said. The event is being run to mark the launch of a new employment pathway which has been developed by a host of local organisations and the Learning Disability Partnership Board’s employment sub group, which includes Worcestershire County Council’s County Enterprises.

It will be held in the county council’s chamber on January 13 at 12.45pm. For more information contact 01905 23819 or e-mail Alison Osborne at aosborne@ worcestershire.gov.uk