Social firms
Social firms originated in Italy in the 1960s and since spread throughout Europe and the United Kingdom. They are not-for-profit businesses that provide accessible employment for people with disability. Social firms usually have the following features: 20-50% of positions are reserved for employees with disabilities; all workers are paid the same award rate or productivity based rates; all employees have the same employment opportunities, rights, and obligations. The social firm generates the majority of its income through the commercial activity of the business, although most are not self-sufficient (Mental Health Council of Australia 2007).