Programme Tackling Disability Employment Gap Thrives

Whitbread, the UK’s largest hospitality company and owner of Premier Inn, has scaled its pioneering Thrive programme by opening a new Premier Inn training centre at Lincolnshire County Council’s InspireU campus.

Completely indistinguishable from a regular hotel, right down to ‘do not disturb’ signs on the doors and the tea and coffee making facilities Premier Inn guests are familiar with, the training facility on Lincoln city centre’s Smith Street features three en-suite bedrooms, a reception desk, corridor and linen room.

Delivered in partnership with Lincolnshire County Council, the facility will be shared on a rota basis by local special schools, colleges and adult services, ensuring wide access across the region.

By bringing together schools, educators, job coaches and local authority services, the programme provides a joined-up model for inclusive employment that can be replicated nationally.

The employer-led initiative equips young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) with the skills, confidence and pathways they need to secure meaningful work. Many will go on to progress into supported internships or permanent roles in Premier Inn hotels.

By 2026, Whitbread aims to create 100 supported internships every year, helping to close the disability employment gap and set a new standard for inclusive recruitment in hospitality.

“We couldn’t be more excited to open this new training centre in Lincolnshire,” said Rachel Howarth, Chief People Officer of Whitbread.

“As someone who grew up here, I’m especially proud to see the county setting the standard for what inclusive employment can achieve. Thrive is a shining example of how business can lead the way in making employment more inclusive and accessible to all.

“At Whitbread, we believe there should be no barriers to entry and no limits to ambition — and Thrive proves that when employers step up, real change happens. None of this would be possible without the hard work of our partners, colleagues and local communities, and I want to thank everyone who has helped bring it to life.

“Fewer than 5% of people with learning disabilities are in paid employment – we want to help change that by creating practical routes into work for young people with special education needs and disabilities.

“It’s incredibly exciting to see the project gain momentum and strength and we can’t wait to help more young people into work.”

To learn more or express interest in partnering, visit the Thrive page on the Whitbread website at https://www.whitbread.co.uk/sustainability/opportunity/thrive-programme/