Half of north west businesses ‘have fears disabled people won’t be able to do the job’

Research released this week claims almost half of firms in the north west are ‘apprehensive about hiring someone with a disability’.

The findings were revealed as part of a survey of 1,000 businesses to coincide with the launch of Purple – a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to improving employment opportunities for disabled people.

The survey found 45% of firms have fears that disabled people won’t be able to do the job and concerns about making inappropriate comments or actions, according to new research.

Purple carried out the research to determine the current barriers for business in employing disabled workers and found that one in five business owners and hiring managers admit they are worried about interviewing someone with a disability in case they do or say the wrong thing.

Seashell Trust, a charity that cares for and educates young people with profound disabilities in Stockport, helps find jobs and placements for its students Valuing Employment showcase.

One student, Emma Davies, was taken on by Morson Group in Trafford Park where she worked for two hours a day, four days a week carrying out tasks including collecting post, admin, and maintaining the kitchen and break areas.

CEO Ged Mason said: “I urge other companies to get involved. Emma’s presence encapsulates our ethos and sets the tone of inclusivity throughout the business.”

Seashell Trust offers training for businesses before they take on one of its students and provides six months of support after the employment starts to make sure the situation works for everyone involved.

Katherine Corey, head of college, said: “We have quite a high population with autism who tend to love tasks which neurotypical people would assume are boring.

“Repetitive tasks, like putting things into envelopes or stamping, they love because it is predictable and they know what is coming.

“Many of our students have taken on roles including food preparation, café duties, grounds maintenance, horticulture, housekeeping, admin and replenishing stock, with the aim of finding employment after they graduate from Seashell Trust.”

Other fears in the Purple study included using the incorrect terminology (32%) and not knowing whether they should help with things such as opening doors or pulling out chairs (38%).

One in five employers (21%) said falling foul of discrimination law was a real concern.

The findings also revealed almost half of all employers (43%) expect disabilities to be disclosed on an applicant’s CV prior to interview, despite there being no legal obligation to do so.

Pure Innovations also helps disabled people to find placements and jobs.

CEO Louise Parrott-Bates said: “In our experience employers are very cautious and it’s mainly around the unknown, so in situations where they have no knowledge or positive experience the preferred option is to do nothing or avoid the situation altogether.

“What works best for employers is to come on the journey with organisations like Pure who they see as the experts and who will support and advise them over their concerns..

“Employers need support in areas such as appropriate language/behaviour, responsible adjustments, training, and being able to ask questions in a safe environment, such as “what is autism?” and what as an employer do I need to consider .

“The younger we integrate people with disabilities into the work place to change perceptions and challenge the stereotypes, the greater the chances of a societal change.”