More disabled people across the West of England are to be supported into work thanks to a new initiative launched by Metro Mayor Dan Norris.
West of England Mayor, Dan Norris | Photo © WECA
The new scheme has been designed to break down barriers to employment and will be delivered by disability charity Leonard Cheshire, as part of the West of England Combined Authority’s Workforce for the Future programme.
100 businesses will receive tailored, targeted disability inclusion training to help them create a more diverse workforce.
West of England Mayor Dan Norris said: “I want disabled people in the West of England to have the right opportunities to get into employment. Work can be enjoyable, energising, and a boost to self-esteem.
“This programme is a step in the right direction, and I look forward to hearing first-hand from disabled people about its impact.”
Leonard Cheshire CEO, Ruth Owen, said: “There are over 7.7 million people of working age in the UK who are disabled or have a long-term condition, which equates to approximately 125,000 people in the West of England.
“Encouraging applications from disabled people is good for business, not only because it increases the number of talented applicants available, but because it also creates a workforce that reflects the diverse range of customers a business serves, and the community in which it is based.”
Over the next eighteen months, Leonard Cheshire will work with local businesses to help them increase their knowledge and understanding of disability, providing training, workshops and resources and support them to proactively employ disabled people.
Applications are now open for the Inclusion, Disability, Equality, Action (IDEA) project.
Eligible businesses will be based in the West of England (Bath & North East Somerset, Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire), and be a Small or Medium-sized Enterprise (SME) with between 5 and 250 employees.
Those interested in joining the scheme can find out more information and apply by visiting the Workforce for the Future webpage or contacting [email protected].
