As the financial crisis took hold work at Wangarang Industries slowed so dramatically the 2008-09 financial year went down as one of the worst on record.

But with signs the economy is headed for recovery the not-for-profit organisation, which has offered work opportunities for people with a disability for the last 45 years, has urged the business community to think outside the square when weighing up their employment options.

“The last financial year was a very hard one for us,” chief executive officer Marc Bonney said yesterday.

“We’re are a community service and charity and understand that when times get tough businesses have to cut costs to ensure they survive but now things are picking up and confidence is returning, we need people to keep in mind the opportunities they may have for people with a disability.”

An increase in business by 20 per cent would support the 115 existing employees with disabilities as well as help employ the 40 others who want a job but have not been able to secure one because of the downturn.

“We’ve got a huge demand for more places for employees which we just haven’t been able to fill,” Mr Bonney said.

“People out there with disabilities are ready and willing to work but there is insufficient work available. We’ve got a dedicated workforce willing to pull themselves up by their bootstraps right now, today.

“There are a lot of opportunities out there and people would be surprised at the variety and complexity of work people with disabilities can undertake.”

Employees are ready to get to work on cleaning, gardening, laundry and recycling services as well as packaging, mailing, manufacturing and assembly.

Business development manager Suzy Isaacs urged any business or organisation interested in using Wangarang Industries to contact her on 0419 441 704.

“We’re very flexible, we’re happy to do whatever tasks businesses have which allows employers to let their own workforce concentrate on core business activities,” she said.