A CUSTOMER call centre has been praised for its positive approach in supporting employees with disabilities and has received its third major award in five months.

Staff at Capita's TV Licensing customer contact centre in India Mill, Darwen, have won the Warrington Disability Partnership 'Positive Action' Award in recognition of supporting disabled employees in the centre.

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council nominated the centre, which deals with TV Licensing customer inquiries and transactions on behalf of the BBC.

It won the award mainly because of its commitment to breaking down the barriers to employment faced by disabled people.

After employing a call centre agent who was visually impaired, the organisation set up a project management team to review its employment practices.

The four-month project included improving access to the IT system and training to help the people with disabilities find their way around the building.

Bosses at Capita Group plc are hopeful that other appointments of suitably qualified, disabled applicants will soon follow.

Paul Stanfield, contact centre manager for the TV Licensing contract, said: "We are honoured to have won this award. It recognises the commitment of our company to ensure that disabled people are given equal rights and opportunities in recruitment, training access and career development."

Judges were impressed by additional employment practices Capita implemented, including helping the visually impaired employee get to and from work independently and the development of support networks and friendships in the workplace for each person.

Phil Watson, chief executive of Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, said: "Capita demonstrated exemplary employment practices for disabled people."