We’re being let down at the first hurdle

DISABLED jobseekers are being let down by the one place they should be able to rely on for support – their local Jobcentre.

A new report – focusing on the experience of people living with complex disabilities – lays bare the barriers preventing many from finding work.

Eight out of every 10 people with complex disabilities are unemployed, according to national disability charity Sense, who produced the report.

One in two of those say a lack of adequate assistance and equipment means they are not receiving help they need.

Crucially, Sense’s research found Jobcentres across the country are without specialist assistive technology on their computers, making it more difficult for those who rely on it to look and apply for work.

Zoe Bates, Sense employment co-ordinator, said: “There are many people with complex disabilities who want to work, and with the right support will thrive, but sadly they’re being denied at the first hurdle – the job search.

“Jobcentres are the frontline tool the Government use for supporting people to find work, but they aren’t being provided with the equipment and training they need to do this.”

Assistive technology can include text to speech screen readers, dictation software and braille displays, making it possible for some disabled people – such as those with sight and hearing impairments – to use computers.

But the Department for Work and Pensions only funds this equipment once someone is in work. Jobseekers often can’t afford to buy it for themselves, meaning they need support from external services.

Currently, the computers in Jobcentres only offer Microsoft’s “standard accessibility features”, which Sense says is inadequate.

The charity is calling on the Government to provide specialist assistive technology in its Jobcentres through an assistive technology fund, which it says would be a relatively lowcost change that will make a huge difference.

The report also found more than half of jobseekers with complex disabilities did not feel supported by their Jobcentre work coach, who should help identify skills, assist with applications and interview techniques.

And as fewer than a quarter of those who had seen a work coach said they received one to one support, Sense revealed that initial training for work coaches does not include disability equality training.