Orlagh shines bright at The Swatters Carr

Floor associate Orlagh O’Byrne has worked at The Swatters Carr(Middlesbrough) for the past six years.

Orlagh was just 17 when she joined pub manager Lee Rankin’s team at the pub where she   still enjoys regular visits, as a customer, with her parents Lynn and Terry.

Orlagh, who has Down’s syndrome, works a two-hour shift every Sunday lunchtime at the pub, serving food, clearing and cleaning tables and meeting and greeting customers.

With the help of dad Terry, Orlagh signed up for the staff ‘share options’ scheme, where a percentage of her wages goes directly into buying Wetherspoon shares.

Her mum Lynn said: “Orlagh has been buying shares for the past four years, as a future investment, with a few pounds left over to spend on herself.

“This job was her first, and only, placement – and we are so grateful to Wetherspoon for giving her the opportunity of paid employment.

“It is difficult for anyone with a disability to be accepted in the workplace.

“By working at the pub, Orlagh raises awareness for those with disabilities, proving that they can work and be valuable community members.

“Everyone at the pub is so lovely. All of the staff are so supportive of her, and the regular customers seem to enjoy seeing her there.

“She loves working at the pub and, as a result, has grown in confidence and independence.”

Lynn concluded: “A big thankyou to Wetherspoon for supporting people with disabilities in the workplace and for being a fabulous

company to work for.”