A 31-year-old Balham resident who has a learning disability has been given a career kick-start thanks to a national charity and top London law firm.

Jamie Bolt became one of less than seven per cent of people with a learning disability known to social services that is in any form of paid employment after Reynolds Porter Chamberlain (RCP) awarded him a job as a catering assistant in the café at the firm's office.

The appointment followed an RCP partnership with charity, Mencap, which aimed to raise awareness about people with learning disabilities.

Mr Bolt said: “I've met new people, learnt new skills and found everyone helpful and polite. I feel far more confident now.”

According to Mencap, 65 per cent of people with a learning disability want to work and, with the right support, make a significant contribution to the workplace.

Simone Santeramo, manager at Lusso, which runs the café for RPC, said: “I’ve been impressed with the great strides Jamie has made during his time with us.

“He has really developed in the role, to the extent that he understands the needs of our customers, and can deal with customer queries - something he would not have felt able to do when he first started.”

Rachel Croshaw, Mr Bolt's personal support worker, added: “I've seen a big difference in Jamie over these past few months - he has really flourished in a work environment.”

For more information visit mencap.org.uk.