Social firm

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Social firm is the British term for a work integration social enterprise (WISE), a business created to employ people who have a disability or are otherwise disadvantaged in the labour market. Its commercial and production activities are undertaken in the context of a social mission, with profits going back into the company to further its goals. A significant number of the employees of social firms will be people with a disability or disadvantage, including mental health issues.^[1] The firms grew out of disillusionment with mainstream businesses, and the failure to recognise or enable everyone's potential. All workers are paid a market-rate wage or salary appropriate to the work. All employees are intended to have the same employment opportunities, rights and obligations.

Social Firms England, which supports the development of the social firm sector in England,^[2] suggests that there are two types of social firm, those which provide employment in businesses producing marketable goods and services, and those which work to improve the employability of those they work with.^[3]