FORMERLY a hard-working warehouse supervisor, Steve Jones was knocked for six after epilepsy struck out of the blue and he was unable to work.

But the 42-year-old is finding his feet again thanks to a tailoring business and SEQOL Enterprise Works, a social enterprise which supports people with various disabilities and long-term conditions.

Tailored For You, in Royal Wootton Bassett, has been working closely with SEQOL in the recruitment of two recent employees.

Steve has joined the firm as a telesales executive and Suzie Viljoen as a seamstress.

Steve was diagnosed with epilepsy in August 2010 after he had three seizures in one day. He had surgery to remove a non-cancerous tumour left over from an accident on his bicycle when he was 18 in the same year and it meant he could no longer carry out the physical work he loved.

The former Woolworths warehouse supervisor said: “I burst into tears when I found out – I am a big guy and I’ve always done physical work, and it meant I could not do that anymore. I’m a worker not a shirker and have worked since I was 15 in a youth training scheme.

“My relationship broke down and I moved back in with my parents. With the epilepsy I get severe headaches and I get very tired.”

Steve, who lives with his parents in Park North, now has full responsibility for all telesales at the firm.

He said: “I was put at ease as soon as I walked through the door. Tailored For You is a friendly work environment and I am made to feel part of the team.

“I work 16 hours a week, which is my limit at the moment, but I hope to do more in the future. I’ve never done telesales before but I’m really enjoying it and everyone here has been so helpful.”

Lynette Morrison, director at Tailored For You, said: “SEQOL enterprise works listen carefully to our requirements and has found us wonderful staff who have really added value to our work place.

“Tailored For You’s mission is to actively work with and support people from disadvantaged backgrounds, the long–term unemployed and offer apprenticeships to help encourage and motivate young people into work. Both Suzie and Steve have been a delight to work with and I would actively encourage a business of any size to work with SEQOL, as it is rewarding for everyone involved.”

Jeanette Grant from SEQOL said: “Lynette and her staff at Tailored For You have been an exceptional employer to work with. From the first contact and meeting they have been welcoming, accepting and supportive of both Steve and Suzie, very much focusing on their strengths and abilities as well as giving any support they required.

“This has ensured that both staff have had a very positive employment experience – long may our working partnership continue.”

Anyone who would like to speak to SEQOL about helping with recruitment can call Jeanette on 01793 464646.

For more information about SEQOL-Enterprise Works, visit the website www.seqol.org/enterprise-works.