How firms vow to fight prejudice against disabled people as shocking 40% have faced workplace bullying
A SHOCK study shows 40per cent of people with disabilities and chronic health conditions have faced bullying and harassment work.
The report from Deloitte reveals that 23per cent of respondents said people had doubted their competence, while 24per cent had been passed over for a promotion.
In the UK, one in five adults report some form of disability but only around 50 per cent of disabled people are in work, compared with 81 per cent of non-disabled people.
This week saw the annual UN International Day of Persons with Disabilities, and disability charity Scope said halving the employment gap would boost Britain’s economy by £17billion annually.
Scope’s Louise Rubin said: “Employers are missing out on a massive pool of talent.
“Disabled people often have to overcome many barriers and their expertise can be hugely beneficial to companies but too often they face poor attitudes and inflexible working practices.”
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Scope recommends that firms wanting to become more inclusive nominate a senior manager oversee disability inclusion and review recruitment policies.
Their view is backed by the campaign group ActionAble 2025, led by Sara Weller, who has lived with multiple sclerosis for 15 years.
She said: “Talking about diversity is not enough.
"It’s time for action.
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“This is about equipping businesses with the tools they need to create truly inclusive workplaces.”
ActionAble 2025 wants business to report on goals for disability inclusion, with organisations representing over 1,000 employers committing to take action.
UK firms including Hilton, Premier Inn, Asda and Centrica are leading the way, with programmes to hire more disabled staff.
Hilton has partnered with training hotel Aurora Foxes and the Down’s Syndrome Association to provide training for people with learning disabilities, Centrica’s programme finds Paralympians careers in the energy sector, while Premier Inn’s scheme helps young learners with special educational needs train for hospitality roles.
Asda’s Supported Internship offers year-long placements to 70 students with learning difficulties.
Increasing the number of disabled staff creates positive role models for disabled jobseekers, making it more likely they will apply for jobs.
The Deloitte report found that currently, 27 per cent of disabled staff said they had access to such workplace role models.
Jackie Henry, of Deloitte, said: “Employers need to proactively address barriers and cultivate an environment where employees feel supported. Accessibility and inclusion need to be embedded in all aspects of an organisation.”
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WINNING ENERGY
STEPHEN MILLER is one of the nation’s most decorated para athletes, competing in club throw and discus and winning six medals at seven Games.
Stephen was a professional athlete from 1996 until his retirement this year, when he joined energy company Centrica.
He said: “One thing that really attracted me to the Athletes Leadership Placement Programme is the buddy system, where I’ll be assigned a mentor to help me settle in.
"It’s reassuring to know I’ll have someone to lean on.”
“I feel immensely proud to be the first disabled athlete to be selected for this valuable programme.
“As a retired athlete there are so many transferable skills that can be channelled into the world of work such as communication, collaboration and resilience – but barriers to entry still exist.
BRACED FOR BIG AWAY DAY
THIS coming Monday, December 9, is predicted to be the year’s top day for workplace sickness absence across the UK.
Employers are braced for a surge of up to 65 per cent in illness levels compared to the average Monday on what has been labelled the Big Christmas Bunk-Off.
Alan Price, of staff-management software firm BrightHR, said: “With flu and cold season in full swing, many employees who call in sick during December will be doing so for legitimate reasons.
“However, data suggests that seasonal illness is not the main factor behind the vast majority of Merry Monday absences, particularly as sickness absence rates quickly fall back down to the average, or even below, the Tuesday after.”
These are Alan’s top tips on managing the issue in your workplace . . .
- REINFORCE ATTENDANCE POLICIES: As the festive season kicks off, remind staff about the company’s absence and lateness policies. Highlight the importance of giving proper notice for annual leave or reporting sickness promptly.
- MONITOR PATTERNS WITHOUT BIAS: Use absence tracking tools to identify trends, but approach suspected misuse of sick leave with caution. Accusations without evidence can harm morale and create unnecessary conflict.
- PROMOTE TRANSPARENCY: Build a culture where employees feel comfortable requesting leave in advance. This helps managers anticipate staffing shortfalls and plan for them.
- ENCOURAGE ACCOUNTABILITY: Remind staff the Christmas party is an extension of the workplace, and the same professional standards apply. This includes responsible drinking and adherence to behavioural policies.
- BE FLEXIBLE BUT FIRM: If workloads allow, consider offering the Monday after major events as an optional annual leave day or work-from-home option. This can reduce unplanned absences while demonstrating goodwill.
Jobspot
NATIONWIDE plumbing supplier PLUMBASE is hiring apprentices and sales staff. To find details of where your nearest opportunities are, visit plumbase.co.uk/careers.html.
GREET NEW ROLE
THEY may not be the most traditional of Christmas cards, but the new Festive Reflections range from HM Prison and Probation Service is being used to inspire people to apply for roles with the organisation.
Made in conjunction with prisoners’ charity Prodigal Arts, the cards contain words of advice from probation staff, highlighting the skills that they use in their job every day.
The service is seeking 1,000 new trainee probation officers. You can apply to be one at prisonandprobationjobs.gov.uk.
And you can order your Christmas cards free at prodigalarts.org.
FOOTIE ACES’ LEARNING GOAL
ASPIRING and released footballers can study for a degree – without giving up the beautiful game.
A new University of Derby foundation qualification in athlete professional development lets players keep turning out for their team as they learn.
They can even train and play full-time while studying in blocks on campus and remotely.
Once the course is complete, players could work in professional sports roles or progress onto a BA (Honours) in sport coaching and development at the uni.
Arnold Marimbe, a midfielder and second-year student, chose to study for a foundation degree after being released from Luton Town, which he joined as an under 13.
He said: “I wanted to be part of the programme because of the unique experience it brings.
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“From my knowledge, there is nowhere else in the UK that offers a chance to play football full-time at the level we do and chase a dream of becoming a professional in this type of environment.”
Find out more by searching online for Derby Uni FdA in Athlete Professional Development.
Jobspot
CLOTHING chain FATFACE has 86 vacancies nationwide, including for Christmas staff and permanent store crew, as well as team leaders. For details and to apply, see fatface.com/careers/our-careers.