Could flexible working make Somerset's talent pool bigger?
A Bridgwater based charity hope the pandemic - and changes to working patterns - will result in more people with complex conditions in Somerset getting jobs.
Shona Howes from Discovery UK says over the past year there's been many examples of people - who might have been previously overlooked - 'stepping up and proving themselves' and she hopes opportunities will continue for her clients.
Discovery supports people with learning disabilities, autism, challenging behaviour and complex needs throughout Somerset - as part of Dimensions, one of the country’s largest not-for-profit organisations.
Shona Howes from Discovery UK said: "I think employers are really starting to think that it isn't just one way, there are other ways to get round problems.
"I think especially in Somerset we've been very flexible and people have really tried another way which has been our motto for years.
Working from home, doing Teams call, making sure you're connected with the employer it's been a great example of those reasonable adjustments.
"Some people have definitely thrived over the pandemic in certain aspects so we have people that have been real key workers over the last 18 months.
"I'm thinking for example Ryan who is a cleaner in an ambulance station, his role changed and it got bigger sort of almost overnight and he really adapted - built on his skills and was able to provide a really high level service within his local ambulance station."
For more about Discovery click here