A young disabled man who applied for over 300 jobs without success has finally landed a permanent role.
After attending dozens of job interviews and sending stacks of CVs, Cameron O’Connor, 20, is the new receptionist at the Premier Inn by Southwark Station.
Cameron said: “It’s brilliant. I’m looking forward to earning my own living so I if I want something I can say ‘I’m gonna buy it’.”
In October last year, the News reported how Cameron, a double amputee from Bermondsey, was desperate for stable work.
The former Bacon’s College student was feeling isolated because he didn’t have enough money to afford holidays and nights out with mates.
“If my family’s going out for a meal, I know they’d pay for me. But I wanted to be able to say ‘I can pay for this, I’ve earned it’,” Cameron said.
He lost his legs after contracting meningitis at the age of one. He spent years fighting to keep them but, aged ten, doctors recommended amputation to avoid future health complications.
A keen basketball player, between September 2021 and June 2022, he did a youth coaching apprenticeship at Salmon Youth Centre, where he earned an apprentice wage of £4. Meanwhile, he picked up extra shifts as a seasonal temp at Tesco.
The problem was these jobs were temporary, so didn’t give Cameron the stability to plan for the future.
His new job at the Premier Inn is a permanent contract, finally allowing Cameron to invest in his long-term happiness. He has already booked a holiday to Egypt and is set to book driving lessons.
Cameron said: “I’ve noticed that some disabled people say ‘I need to make some money’ but, a few months down the line, I’m seeing they’re in the same position.
“I’ve even got mates who are able-bodied saying they can’t get a job but if I can get a job, then you can get a job!”
A spokesperson for Whitbread, which owns Premier Inn, said: “At Whitbread we pride ourselves on creating an inclusive environment for everyone to thrive in – a place where there are no barriers to entry or limits to ambition.
“We are really delighted to welcome Cameron to Southwark Premier Inn – and hope he will be a fantastic addition to the team”.
Comment: Why are disabled people with qualifications still being kept out of the workplace?