On September 9th, Flick Drummond MP is hosting a "Disability Confident" event at Portsmouth Football Club, which will enable employers find out more about hiring disabled people from other employers and local disability support organisations. They are asked to offer opportunities to disabled job-seekers, such as work experience, apprenticeships, work trials or employment.
It is one in a series of events that are part of the Government’s Disability Confident campaign. Led by Minister for Disabled People, Penny Mordaunt, it exists to highlights the benefits to businesses of recruiting disabled people and how employers can achieve this. The campaign addresses misconceptions about disabled people in the work place and highlights the benefits of hiring them.
Flick Drummond said:
“I believe that it is important for employers to make the most of the talent that exists amongst disabled people in this country and this event, supported by the Minister for Disabled People, is to encourage employers to understand the business benefits of employing disabled jobseekers.
Disabled people make up almost 20% of the working age population, many being highly qualified individuals. But sometimes employers can be reluctant to employ them, missing out on a valuable pool of potential and skills. At my Disability Confident event, I would like to show you how much they have to offer local businesses.
Sadly there are many myths about disabled people taking more days off sick, costing money to have workplace adjustments and creating a fear of discrimination claims. All of these assumptions are incorrect.”
The Minister for Disabled People Penny Mordaunt said:
“I am really pleased that Flick is hosting her own Disability Confident event in her constituency. Halving the disability employment gap is critical if we are to ensure everyone has the opportunity to succeed in life.
“Over the last two years, 365,000 disabled people have entered work, but there is more to do and by bringing together local businesses and people, employers can ensure they don’t miss out on some of the best talent in their community. Disabled people make up a significant proportion of the potential workforce and by extending these opportunities, we can have a Britain that works for everyone.”
“Good progress has been made, but I still hear too often that disabled people feel they are being overlooked for jobs they have the skills for. With a local host the event really can make a difference – Flick knows the local businesses best as well as the local people.
“We all have a part to play in making sure disabled people are able to fulfil their potential in the workplace.”
Portsmouth Jobcentre Plus will be attending to highlight the skills in the area. They will outline the specific recruitment needs in Portsmouth and how they can be overcome.”
If you are an employer or another organisation and would like to attend, please register by calling 02392 292690 or email [email protected]