In the last few years, there has been a huge effort to help those that have a disability and are able to work to find employment.
Disabled people are more than twice as likely to be unemployed as a non-disabled individual but there have been great strides made lately.
Improving Stats
At the end of 2018, there was a £40 million voluntary scheme announced by the Government designed to help disabled people to get back into work. Additionally, in the last 5 years the number of people with a disability in work has increased by almost 1 million. It is, of course, the law that an employer cannot discriminate against prospective employees but many businesses are now recognizing the value of having a diverse workforce.
The Benefits of a Diver Workforce
A company that wants to thrive should look to recruit the top talent which means that there needs to be a focus on ability rather than disability. Not only this, but many businesses find that those with a disability have often had to be more resourceful and creative in their life which can help in the business world by bringing these valuable skills to the company.
Additionally, the number of people with a disability in on the rise throughout Europe and this is expected to continue in the near future. This means that many customers will be disabled or disabled aware and having staff that have a disability can help the business to gain a better insight into the products/services that someone with a disability can benefit from. This could also help staff to forge a stronger connection with customers and improve their brand reputation.
Accessibility
It is clear that hiring somebody who has a disability that is right for the job can provide to be a smart move for a business. The increasing number of people with a disability has also meant that businesses around the world have had to think about accessibility in greater depth. It is the responsibility of the employer to make the business site accessible for anyone with a disability so inclusive design is an important step to take for businesses.
Accessibility is about much more than ramps and dropped curbs as you must also think about how you can help a staff member to carry out their role effectively. If transportation is a key part of the role, for example, then you will need to consider wheelchair accessible vehicles from places like Allied Mobilitywhich can make it safe, comfortable and easy for someone in a wheelchair to get from A to B without having to rely on public transportation.
The focus which has been placed in helping those with a disability to find work has brought about a huge change in recent times. Businesses are now recognising the importance of inclusivity and making changes to their operation which do not take away from the final user experience and instead enhance it. There is still a lot of work to be done but it seems that the UK is on the right track and helping those with a wide range of disabilities to not only find work but improve the businesses that they work for.
