A DISABLED man desperate for a job has spoken of his frustration at employers who can't "see beyond the wheelchair”.

Over the past couple of years 21-year-old Connor Wood has applied for more than 100 jobs and received responses from a little more than 20 of them.

Connor, of Addison Crescent, said: “Whenever I apply for a job now it’s got to that stage where I expect nothing to happen. For every two or three responses I get there are several that I don’t hear back from.

“It’s really frustrating, especially when I know I can do the job and I’d be good at it. I think people find it hard to see beyond the wheelchair.”

Connor has been enrolled on Campbell Page’s work programme for the past couple of years which aims to help people in difficult situations overcome personal challenges, find employment, and regain their independence.

Based in Swindon, Campbell Page offers a two-year programme for people who are unemployed, helping them move towards work or get back into work.

On June 12 Connor’s time on the programme runs out which means he won’t be eligible for the in-work support that Campbell Page can offer.

Carol William-Whalley, Team Leader at Campbell Page, said: “We have desperately been trying to help Connor get work in Swindon. He’s such a lovely lad and he is not getting the chance he so deserves.

“It’s really unfair because if he doesn’t find one before June 12 we won’t be able to help him with things like travel expenses or other things he’s entitled to. He’s a local lad that really deserves a chance."

For the past seven or eight months he has volunteered for two days a week at the British Heart Foundation shop in Swindon town centre, where he helps out with customer services, arranging deliveries and pricing stock.

Connor, who lives at home with his mum Gill, studied Health and Social Care, Maths and English at Swindon’s New College before going back for another year to complete a Level 1 ITQ course.

“I didn’t think about going to university,” said Connor. “I just wanted to be able to get a job after college like most people.”

Swindon North MP, and Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Disabled People, Justin Tomlinson said: “As a government we are committed to halving the disability employment gap. We are increasing funding to help those with disabilities and long term health conditions find work by 14.9 percent and already in the last two years 365,000 more disabled people are working.

“Connor shows why this is vital. Employers need to see the ability and not the disability and I know having employed disabled people myself how it not only benefits the individual but benefits the business – it can be a real win win.”

Ray Dawson, who runs job workshops at the New College, said: “Connor is an inspiration for anyone who is disabled in Swindon.”

Connor added: “I am 100 percent reliable and enthusiastic. I have a great sense of humour which always helps when working in a team in a busy environment and I am flexible and willing to help wherever needed.”