Eric Jewitt – Waiter

“Work gets me out and about and makes me feel part of the community.”

When it comes to employment, Eric Jewitt of Stockton has always been clear about one thing – that he wanted to work in a restaurant. Since attending college to learn more about the hospitality industry, Eric has been working as a waiter at the Parkmore Hotel in Stockton-on-Tees.

Eric has an eye condition called Nystagmus, which is essentially involuntary movement of the eyes. Although the condition affects people in different ways, Eric like most people with Nystagmus, has very limited vision.

Employer's story

“Eric is a good employee to manage” says food and beverage manager, Nathan George, “He’s conscientious and self-motivated and just gets on with things.” Like all businesses, hotels have to manage change effectively. Employees such as Eric who can adapt well to changing procedures or even changes in management structures are always valued. Nathan also respects Eric’s willingness to learn and the fact that he shows initiative at work.

Award winner

The only adjustment the Parkmore Hotel have had to make for Eric is flexibility in their working patterns, something which all staff can benefit from: “We’re a twenty four hour business not a nine to five business so if for example, Eric needs to take time off for medical appointments, it’s fairly easy to adjust his shifts” says Nathan.

Eric’s impaired vision doesn’t affect his productivity at work and in 2006 his achievements as an employee were recognised when a manager nominated him for a STAR (Shaw Trust Achievement and Recognition) award. Eric beat off serious competition and won the award, which recognised the progress he had made since he started working at the hotel.

Employee's story

When Eric first started to work at the hotel, he worked on a trial basis before securing permanent employment. The Shaw Trust, an organisation that helps disabled people find employment, support him.

As a waiter, his main role is to prepare the restaurant for serving breakfasts, lunches and dinner. He also processes customer orders and serves meals. “I like the front of house work best” says Eric, “because I like meeting customers.”

In addition to the START award, Eric has also achieved qualifications at Levels 1 and 2 in customer service and food service.

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