Employers Disability Awareness Guide
Introduction
Employers need staff that they can rely on with the skills and motivation required to lead to economic growth of the company.
For years there has been inaccurate information about disability and work, but the word “disability” hides a persons ability and potential.
Individual disabled people have a wide range of skills and talents, which are valuable to employers. It is probably true to say that there are no jobs that are totally unsuitable for a person with some sort of disability; disabled people often have excellent problem-solving capacities. Yet the contribution that people with disabilities can make to the workforce often goes unrecognised.
Many employers are willing to consider employing people with disabilities, but lack the time and knowledge of becoming more involved. The following information is aimed to give employers more insight and information about the positiveness of employing people with disabilities.
Ellingham has continued to develop its range of services. Many of these are designed to help employers recruit, train and retain disabled and disadvantaged people.
Consultancy services currently available to employers include:
- Help with retention of employees who have become ill or disabled whilst employed
- Practical advice regarding minor adjustments to the workplace
- Assistance with reviews of Equal Opportunities/Diversity policies
- Training in subjects such as Disability Equality, Mental Health awareness, Employment Law and the Disability Discrimination Act
What's in it for you?
Ellingham's specialist staff would like to help your organisation enjoy REAL BENEFITS:
- Increased chances of hiring the best person for the job
- Reduced staff turnover & better staff attendance. People with disabilities typically take less time off and change jobs less frequently.
- Retaining good staff usually costs less than recruiting and training new ones.
- Good public relations & improved image as a progressive and inclusive organisation.
- Improved staff morale - gain a reputation as people's employer of choice.
- Complying with Disability Discrimination Act helps to avoid costly legislation and bad publicity.
Ellingham operates a range of JobCentre Plus contracts to prepare people with disabilities for the workplace and to offer support to employers and workers once in work. Click for details of Work Preparation, WORKSTEP & Access to Work, plus Professional Work Placements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
Will it cost my business money?
No.
In fact Ellingham can provide information about grants and funding available to you. Our service is free and ongoing, it does not end when you employ one of our clients.
It would be too time consuming to support a disabled member of staff
If we do not have a suitable candidate appropriate to your vacancy we will tell you. We won't waste your time. Plus, our staff are happy to provide all the support and regular monitoring necessary.
We don't know enough about disability
You are not expected to. Ellingham staff are professionals with nearly 20 years experience and expertise in working both with people with disabilities and with local employers.
My business premises are not suitable...
Our Health & Safety risks would be increased...
They would take up too much staff time to train and look after...
Disabled people have poor attendance and timekeeping...