“How will this benefit my company?” Expand Disabled people represent a huge opportunity, having an annual spending power of £80 Billion and comprising up to 20% of your customer base. Get your share! Recruiting people with disabilities is good for your bottom line.
“It will cost more to employ a disabled person” Expand In fact it saves money and increases profits. There is usually very little or no cost. Good practice saves money. Hiring costs are reduced and staff retention increased.
“What if they can’t do the job?” Expand You are only expected to hire someone that can do the job. It’s not in our interest to waste your time. The best candidate might just have a disability.
“They will always be off sick.” Expand Disabled people are not necessarily sick. On average, disabled people have lower rates for absenteeism and sickness.
“They are a Health & Safety risk.” Expand Where employers make reasonable adjustments for disabled employees, Health & Safety for all staff and customers is usually improved. Our staff are happy to carry out a brief risk assessment in consultation with you. You may find this additional information about health and safety useful.
“How will I get rid of them if they don’t perform?” Expand The law does not prevent disciplining staff whose performance or conduct is poor – it simply says you must not penalise an employee purely on the grounds of their disability.
“A disabled person won’t be able to access our premises.” Expand Not all disabled people have mobility problems. Only 5% of disabled people are wheelchair users.
“No disabled people ever apply to us.” Expand 74% of applicants do not declare their disability for fear of discrimination. You may already employ staff with a disability.
“I don’t know how to deal with a disabled person” Expand You are not expected to. We will help you. Our experienced staff team are only a phone call away and are ready to help should any problems arise.
“I might offend someone by saying or doing the wrong thing. ” Expand Don’t be afraid to ask. Consulting with disabled employees on how to be more inclusive benefits everyone.