What is a social firm?

• A Social Firm is a business created for the employment of people who have a disability or are otherwise disadvantaged in the labour market.
• It is a business which uses its market-orientated production of goods and services to pursue its social mission.
• A significant number of its employees will be people with a disability or other disadvantage in the labour market.
• Every worker is paid a market-rate wage or salary, appropriate to the work.
• Work opportunities should be equal between disadvantaged and non-disadvantaged employees.
• All employees should have the same employment rights and obligations.

Definition of a Social Firm from CEFEC, Social Firms Europe, 1997