Spectrum Bakery, which hired people with special needs, closes doors for financial reasons

Spectrum Bakery in Athelstone, which offered employment opportunities to people with special needs, has closed its doors.

Wage subsidies for workers with special needs must be made available sooner and for longer, says the man behind a failed bakery business that offered employment opportunities to an isolated workforce.

Daniel Forrester has announced the closure of his Spectrum Bakery in Athelstone, after just four months of operation. Inspired by his 15-year-old son, Daniel-Jack, who is on the autism spectrum, the cafe had six staff with special needs, who worked up to 12 hours a week.

Now $15,000 in debt, Mr Forrester said the economic climate made it “nigh on impossible” to continue.

“I know in the first year of business you don’t make money, you lose money, but not to the point we were,” Mr Forrester said.

“My wife and I poured every last cent we had into this place. When we did our budgeting, we thought we had a $40,000 buffer, but then opening cost $35,000 more than we planned.

“I was struggling this week to pay the staff wages and super, and I vowed never to be one of those bosses in hospitality who underpays people. As soon as I realised I was in that position, I knew it was right (to close).”

Spectrum Bakery owner Daniel Forrester with apprentice baker Nathan Lawson who has dyslexia, pictured in February. Picture: Tricia Watkinson

Mr Forrester said the cafe, which was open six days, couldn’t survive on the $300-$400 it was taking in during the week. He said financial help with wages could have helped them survive for longer.

Existing wage subsidies for employees with special needs currently covers 95 per cent of wages, but the bulk of that doesn’t come in until week 26, and then ceases to exist.

“Then these workers are told to move on,” Mr Forrester said.

“We couldn’t even make it to week 26. There needs to be some sort of scheme where if an employer, whoever it is, is willing to help these people, then subsidise the way.

“I’ve been in hospitality for 30 years and I’ve never seen staff members want to work as much as my special needs people did. They’re so grateful for the opportunity.”

Autism SA CEO Helen Graham said the organisation would “love to see greater initiatives for businesses to support everyone to work in open employment”.

“Autism SA is saddened to see businesses struggling during this time and having to close their doors,” Ms Graham said. “Meaningful employment can lead to economic independence and choice and control, and for someone who is on the autism spectrum, that is no different.”

Mr Forrester’s bakery initiative grew from a wholesale cookie business he started with his son when he was 12 years old, called DJ’s Cookies & More.

A post on Spectrum Bakery’s Facebook page announcing its closure on Thursday attracted more than 800 reactions and nearly 300 comments in 24 hours.

“I hope from the bottom of my heart that other employers out there will give our staff the opportunity that they deserve and not think it is too hard or that they are not good enough, because they will give back ten times as much as you give them,” Mr Forrester wrote.

Daniel-Jack started baking and selling cookies with his dad, Daniel Forrester, at just 12 years of age. Pictured in 2019. Picture: Matt Loxton

Mr Forrester said the outpouring of support has been “mind-blowing”.

“The thing I have hopefully imparted to my staff, is confidence,” he said.

“There was this one worker who, on his first day of the job was so shy, he wouldn’t even introduce himself. Now, he was on (TV news) chatting away being interviewed.

“Another worker we had was 35, and this was his first job. He’s been registered with job agencies and no one would give him a shot.

“I want to thank the Ahtelstone community for the support they did give while we were open. The outpouring of emotion I’ve received and offers of (help) … brings me to tears.”

It comes just days after Adelaide’s iconic Sushi Train restaurant in Gouger St announced it was closing after 18 years of operation.

Autism SA has been contacted for comment.