Northern Regional College has joined with Causeway Chamber and Triangle Progression to Employment to support businesses in the retail and hospitality industries in creating more inclusive workplaces.

The partnership aims to help employers attract and retain staff from a wider range of backgrounds, with a particular focus on removing barriers faced by people with disabilities and other underrepresented groups.

The collaboration was announced at a forum hosted by the college, where business leaders from across the Causeway area heard about practical steps to adapt recruitment and management practices.

Triangle Progression to Employment, an organisation focused on supported employment, provided guidance on how small changes can open up roles to candidates who might otherwise be overlooked.

Causeway Chamber encouraged its members to adopt the approaches, noting that a more diverse workforce can strengthen customer service and team performance in both shops and hotels.

No specific targets have been set, but the three organisations plan to run further advice sessions and to share examples of successful inclusive hiring in the region.