#FIRMDAY 15th October 2015 Manchester - Gaining the Business Benefits of Employing Disable People Jane Hatton - Even Break

1. Gaining the Business Benefits of
Employing Disabled People
Jane Hatton
Evenbreak

2. Introduction
Jane

3. Questions
• Why don’t we want to employ disabled
people?
• Why should we employ disabled people?
• Why might disabled people not apply?
• How can we attract talented disabled people?

4. Perceived Barriers?
• Too much hassle
• Too expensive (adaptations etc)
• Time off sick
• Health and safety risks
• Retention problems
• Productivity
• Might put customers off
• “We’re a business, not a charity”

5. Benefits of employing disabled people
• Wider pool of talent
• Just as productive
• Less time off sick
• Better retention
• Fewer workplace accidents
• Reputation as “employer of choice”
• Additional skills

6. Benefits of employing disabled people
• Better understanding of disabled customers
• Benefits of diverse workforce
• Customers prefer inclusive employers
• Employees prefer inclusive employers
• Retain staff who become disabled
• Specific advantages
• Better for all

7. Why might disabled people not apply?
• Inaccessible recruitment processes:
o Adverts
o Application forms
o Unnecessary criteria
o Poor interview questions
o Unconscious bias
• Reputation
• Perception
• Past experience

8. How can we attract talented disabled
candidates?
• Reputation/culture
• Adverts
• Accessible recruitment processes + support
• Appropriate criteria
• Manage third parties
• Positive action
• Networks
• Partnerships
• Accreditations
• Guaranteed interview scheme
• Offer reasonable adjustments
• Trained staff

9. Questions for me?

10. Action
What will you do to ensure your
organisation gains the benefits of
employing disabled people?