Employment charity signs up to disability scheme

EMPLOYERS in Berkshire and beyond have committed to supporting the region’s disabled workers.

New figures published by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) revealed that more than 1,800 employers in the South East have signed up to the Government’s Disability Confident scheme.

In total, 1,834 firms have registered so far, for the initiative which works with businesses to recruit and support disabled people.

Adviza, a Bracknell-based charity which helps young people and adults in employment, is one of the local businesses to sign up to the programme.

A spokesperson for Adviza said:

“As a registered charity that inspires and supports young people and adults to progress in learning and work, it is important to us that we reflect that same commitment as an employer.

“Among our core values we aim to champion equality, diversity, accessibility and simplicity as well as to break down barriers to effective service delivery and customer progress.”

They said to do this well, the country needs a workforce that reflects wider society.

“Being enrolled as a Disability Confident Employer is one way that we can outwardly demonstrate to potential candidates that we are an employer who looks for talent and potential first and foremost,” they explained.

Justin Tomlinson, minister for disabled people, added: “I know the value of having a diverse and inclusive workforce, so it is fantastic to see so many employers across the South East becoming disability confident.

“I would encourage other organisations, big or small, to follow their example and help disabled people unlock their full potential.”

Mr Tomlinson said the Government aims to see 1 million more disbled people in work by 2027.