I am calling on local employers to support disabled people by helping them into work.
The Disability Confident Employer Scheme supports employers to attract, recruit and retain disabled workers. It helps employers by providing practical advice and tools. Nearly thousands of organisations have already signed up to the scheme. Disability Confident helps businesses:
· draw from the widest possible pool of talent
· secure and retain high quality staff who are skilled, loyal and hard working
· save time and money on the costs of recruitment and training by reducing staff turnover
· keep valuable skills and experience
· reduce the levels and costs of sickness absences
· improve employee morale and commitment by demonstrating that they treat all employees fairly
Disabled people make up a fifth of the working age population, representing a large talent pool for employers. But, only 48% of disabled people have a job, compared to 80% of non-disabled people. Disability Confident is about creating a movement for change. It’s about getting employers to think differently about disability and to take action to improve how they attract, recruit and retain disabled workers.
I would like to ask employers in Fareham to take part in this scheme and to realise the great opportunities and talent there is our whole labour pool. I hope this will be the start of lots more Fareham employers becoming Disability Confident and improved opportunities for local disabled people to realise their potential in the workplace.’
Further information about the Disability Confident Employer Scheme can be accessed via this link: www.gov.uk/guidance/disability-confident-how-to-sign-up-to-the-employer-scheme