News

December 11, 2009

Free guide offers help with disability in the workplace

A free guide has been published by Remploy to help small firms understand their obligations when hiring people with disabilities.

The handbook provides practical advice and information for employers and aims to promote the skills and abilities of disabled people. It includes information for employers on the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA), as well as a best practice checklist and advice on different types of disability.

While more than two-thirds of small business employers believe they do not require any information on employing people with disabilities, only half were familiar with the provisions of the Disability Discrimination Act, research by Remploy found.

According to Remploy chief executive, Tim Matthews, small firms need more guidance on taking on people with disabilities as their concerns were often unjustified.

"Businesses say they are concerned that disabled employees may not be as loyal as non-disabled colleagues and require more HR support," he said. "But our experience shows that people are more likely to stay in the job and take less time off work. Current employment levels among people with mental health issues and learning disabilities are scandalous."

According to research from Remploy, 65 per cent of small firms said they were unlikely to employ someone with a learning disability, while 69 per cent would be unlikely to hire someone with mental health issues.

• To obtain the a copy of the free guide by post, telephone Remploy on 0845 155 2700