A man who has Down’s Syndrome hailed colleagues with learning disabilities as they served afternoon tea in The Waldorf Hilton’s world-famous ballroom.
Sam Innes, 25, landed his dream job at the hotel in Aldwych, central London after being rejected by many potential employers.
But now he’s highlighting a lack of visible workplace role models for people like him.
Mr Innes says Britian’s 1.5 million people with conditions need to be “given the chance”. But in reality, only about five per cent are employed.
A pop-up tearoom was set up in the grand Palm Court which featured in Hollywood blockbusters Titanic and Elton John’s biopic Rocketman.
The event had a special performance from blind and autistic musical savant Derek Paravicini.
Mr Innes, from Chalk Farm, studied business and retail at specialist college Aurora Foxes, where he found a love for hospitality.
At the hotel, he won rave reviews from global customers while serving breakfast and has been promoted to a food and beverage assistant.
Speaking during Learning Disability Week, Camden-born Mr Innes said: “Finding work was really difficult for me, so when I started my role at Hilton, it was such a relief.
“I’ve always wanted to work and be around people, and I knew a hotel would be the perfect place to do that.
“Having a job helps people with learning disabilities feel valued and shows others what we can achieve when given the chance.
“It’s boosted my confidence and helped me become more independent.
“Now, I want to be a role model and inspire others to believe that they can do it too.”
Mr Innes joined Hilton’s Down’s Syndrome Association Workfit programme, where his skill set and aspirations were matched.
As part of the campaign, Hilton polled 500 people with learning disabilities and found four-fifths said businesses needed to do more to be inclusive.
Three-quarters stated they would be more confident about applying for jobs if they saw similar people in “customer-facing” roles.
However, only 16 per cent of employed people with a learning disability said they knew of anyone with a similar condition at work.
Stephen Cassidy, senior vice president of Hilton, said: “Our team members with learning disabilities contribute across a wide range of roles, from front-of-house positions like reception and concierge to behind-the-scenes work in kitchens, housekeeping, and revenue management.
“They bring unique strengths and a strong commitment that enrich our culture and elevate the guest experience.
“By providing the right support and fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued, we empower individuals to reach their full potential and demonstrate that inclusion is a powerful driver of success in hospitality.”
Mark Costello, the principal of Aurora Foxes, added when people saw workplace role models “it inspires confidence and ambition”.
He said: “By providing meaningful employment opportunities for people with learning disabilities, Hilton is transforming lives, challenging perceptions, and breaking down barriers in the wider community.
“Our work together is about creating a society where everyone has the opportunity to contribute and succeed”.
