An event aimed at encouraging employers to help disabled people into work and showcase the benefits they can bring to the workplace will be held by Philip Davies.
The Shipley MP is hosting a Disability Confident event and inviting employers to come along and hear from other companies in the area who have experience in working with disabled employees.
He hopes businesses will sign up to Government’s Disability Confident Scheme, a free employer membership programme to support local employers attract, recruit and develop the talents of disabled people and those with long-term health conditions.
Mr Davies said: “We need to challenge attitudes towards disability and do all we can to remove the barrier to disabled people and those with long-term conditions to help them get into employment. Every person deserves the chance to fulfill their potential and be given opportunities. I employ a member of staff with a disability and long-term health conditions and she does the most wonderful job. I am concerned that other employers are missing out on such talent and that people with disabilities are not getting the opportunities their talents deserve
“There will be businesses at the event with experience in helping disabled people into work and progress and I am certain other businesses will leave the event having stories of how highly qualified people have been taken on and made a difference, and they too will want to make the most of the talent that exists among disabled people in our area.”
Government wants to get an additional 1 million disabled people in work by 2027 and hopes its Disability Confident Scheme will end the myths about disabled people, including suggestions they take more time off sick and cost more money as they need workplace adjustments.
The event is open to all employers and will take place on Friday 7th September at Baildon Community Link Centre, Cliffe Avenue, between 12 noon and 1.30pm.
Staff from the Department for Work and Pensions will be available to provide information on how businesses can access Government funding grants to help their disabled employees.
Numbers of disabled people in employment has risen in recent years but Government wants all MPs to commit to Disability Confident to ensure the increase continues.
For more information regarding the Disability Confident Scheme or to confirm attendance at the event please email bradford.ea@dwp.gsi.gov.uk.