News / WECIL
‘Employers need to do more to end discrimination against disabled people’
Employers are failing disabled staff and not giving them fair opportunities, according to a Bristol charity.
Only six per cent of adults with a learning difficulty in the UK are in paid employment, according to recent records* and the West of England Centre for Inclusive Living (WECIL) says the struggle to find work can lead to low confidence and further isolation from society.
The Bristol-based charity is calling on companies to take a different approach.
“Seeking employment in the current climate can prove to be a tough task for most, especially for those seeking entry level jobs after leaving education,” says WECIL’s Julie Loxely.
“However people with disabilities face far fewer options.
“Ironically, statistics prove that disabled staff are just as productive as non-disabled staff, have fewer accidents and less time off sick. But still employers continue to shy away from employing disabled people.”
Julie Loxely speaks to a client
She argues that companies demanding lengthy online forms and tests from applicants are part of the barrier to employment.
“For many, this can be daunting and completely inaccessible,” says Loxely.
“We need to move forward and encourage companies to take a different approach. Why can’t employers offer face to face or working interviews for disabled applicants?
“Surely this will provide a clearer picture as to whether the applicant is suitable for the role rather than letting them fall at the first hurdle.”
Furthermore, many disabled people now choose to not disclose their disability or long term health condition as they know from first-hand experience that employers are less likely to offer them an interview.
The employment team at WECIL recently reported a case in which an employer withdrew a job offer because they could not make reasonable adjustments for the applicant.
This breaches the Equality Act which states that an employer must make reasonable adjustments to ensure that the employee can continue in their role.
With WECIL’s support, the applicant was able to appeal the withdrawal, but the charity says that not everyone has the means or support necessary to appeal.
WECIL is calling on the Government to promote the change that is desperately needed and says it needs to ensure large companies are not discriminating against disabled people.
If you are a disabled person in Bristol and would like some advice or help finding employment, contact WECIL by calling 0117 947 9911 or email:employability@wecil.co.uk.
*Statistics from the Health and Social Care Information Centre (now NHS Digital) 2015 survey.
Read more: ‘No longer can we ignore the unfair discrimination against disabled people’
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