Home  Focus Accentuate the positive
|
|
Accentuate the positive |
|
|
The Positive About Disabled People symbol appears regularly on job adverts and application forms, but what does it actually mean for employers, potential recruits and existing employees?
The symbol is a recognition given by Jobcentre Plus to employers who have agreed to make certain positive commitments regarding the employment, retention, training and career development of disabled people.
Karen Robertson, a Jobcentre Plus disability employment adviser, explains how this can benefit both employers and their employees.
Karen says:
“Having good disability practices sends a powerful message to employees, customers and suppliers that an organisation values its people and the contribution they make to the business. Excluding disabled people could mean missing the best person for the job.“
Employers who use the symbol have agreed that they will take action on commitments to:
- interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for a job vacancy and consider them on their abilities.
- discuss with disabled employees, at any time, but at least once a year, what can be done to make sure they can develop and use their abilities.
- make every effort when employees become disabled to make sure they stay in employment.
- take action to ensure that all employees develop the appropriate level of disability awareness needed to make these commitments work.
- review these commitments each year and what has been achieved, plan ways to improve on them and let employees and Jobcentre Plus know about progress and future plans.
- Link Group, a housing, support and regeneration company, was recently awarded the Jobcentre Plus Disability Symbol to recognise its commitment to employing people with disabilities.
Link Group's chief executive Craig Sanderson said:
“We are proud to have been accredited with the Disability Symbol in recognition of our commitment to disabled employees. We take our commitments and responsibilities to all sectors of the community seriously, and I'm pleased that this has been recognised. We are fully committed to providing employment opportunities for all. Candidates applying for employment with us are judged on their skills and abilities; disability or health issues need not be a barrier.“
To find out more about the Positive About Disabled People symbol visit www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk or contact a disability employment adviser at your local Jobcentre Plus office.
Access to Work
Jobcentre Plus’ Access to Work programme aims to assist disabled people in paid employment or with a job to start, giving financial support towards additional employment costs as a result of a disability. The type of support available can include:
- Adaptations to Premises and Equipment – Help to modify premises and adapt equipment to make it accessible for a disabled employee.
- Communication Support at Interview - A grant for an interpreter or other personal support at a job interview for someone who has difficulties in communicating with others.
- Special Aids and Equipment - Grants towards aids and equipment in the workplace which are needed as a direct result of disability. For example, specialist software or ergonomic equipment.
- Support Worker - Providing personal support at work. Examples include a job coach, job aide, BSL communicator, mentor or support worker driver.
- Travel to Work - A grant towards the extra costs of travel to and from work where a person cannot use available public transport as a result of their disability or health condition. This can include help with adaptations to vehicles where required.
- Travel in Work - A grant towards the extra cost of travel incurred whilst at work where a person cannot use available public transport as a result of their disability or health condition. This can include help with adaptations to vehicles where required.
To find out more about Access to Work or to make an application for assistance phone 0141 950 5327 to be put in touch with a local Access to Work adviser.
|
|
