Social Firms

What is a social firm?

"A Social Firm is a business created for the employment of people who have a disability or are otherwise disadvantaged in the labour market. It is a business which uses its market-orientated production of goods and services to pursue its social mission. A significant number of its employees will be people with a disability or other disadvantage in the labour market. Every worker is paid a market-rate wage or salary, appropriate to the work. Work opportunities should be equal between disadvantaged and non-disadvantaged employees. All employees should have the same employment rights and obligations."

Definition of a Social Firm from CEFEC, Confederation of European Firms, Employment Initiatives and Co-operatives, 1997).

Social Firms : A Brief History

1980's

• Original pioneering social firms established.
• Social firms based on the continent start to prosper and employ increasing numbers of people with a disability.

1990's

• 1996 : 7 UK social firms identified as employing 68 people.
• 1997 : UK Social Firm Support Group formed.
• 1999 : First national Summer School for social firm managers held in the West Midlands.
• 1999 : First Social Firms Directory published. Identifies 22 social firms and 50 emerging social firms.
• 1999 : "Social Firms UK" company formed to support the social firm sector.
• 2000 : Number of businesses in social firm sector increases to 155, including 35 social firms and 120 emerging social firms.
• 2001 : Social Firms UK has a total paying membership of 313 organisations.
• 2001 : Third Social Firms UK Annual Summer School held.
• 2001 : Funding from the Phoenix Fund enables Social Firms UK to deliver support to members on a regional basis up to 2004.

Are regular businesses that employ disabled people social firms?

While regular businesses need to be encouraged to recognise the value of employing more disabled people, social firms have grown from the failure of mainstream business to recognise this potential. Many social firms strive to operate as professionally as private sector businesses with a focus on business growth and profits. The key differences are the ways in which the profits are used and the social mission whereby a social firm will usually strive to create more and better employment for disabled people.

The Social Firms Directory, 1999.

Why is yes2work committed to becoming a social firm?

The directors and staff at yes2workdecided that social firm principles were the most appropriate to follow, mirroring the aims of the organisation closest. Being an organisation that seeks to help people with disabilities stay in or find employment we will always support and encourage the social firm ethos. yes2work is currently classed as an emerging social firm that is working towards increased viability.

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Head Office: 0808 144 7080
Midlands Office: 0808 145 2504
Norwich Office: 0808 180 2375
Scottish Office: 0808 145 2503

Fax: 0808 144 7081
TextPhone: 0808 144 7082

Email: info@yes2work.org.uk