Breaking down barriers: Leonard Cheshire’s top tips for employers

Nearly seven million people of working age in the UK are disabled or have a long-term health condition. That is almost 1 in 5 of us. Despite this, just half of disabled people are employed (49%) – compared with 8 in 10 non-disabled people.

Leonard Cheshire research revealed that 1 in 5 employers said they would be less likely to employ a disabled person. Of those line managers who are less likely to employ a disabled person, almost 3 in 4 (73%) would be concerned they would struggle to do the job. Six in 10 (60%) of line managers say the costs of workplace adjustments are a barrier to employing a disabled person.

The charity launched its Untapped Talent campaign to break down the barriers preventing disabled people from finding work. Many employers want to do more to maximise the potential of disabled people in their workplace, and make it possible for more disabled people to join their business, but aren’t sure where to start.

At the ERSA Conference, Leonard Cheshire will reveal its Top Tips for employers, including guidance on how to make it easier to talk about disability in the workplace and how to make appropriate recruitment adjustments.

They’ll be showing videos with advice from top employers, including AutoTrader, Millwood Services and the Science and Technology Facilities Council. There’ll also be an opportunity to share your own top tips. Look out for Leonard Cheshire filming clips of speakers and attendees to get involved in the campaign.

Join the discussion on Twitter using #UntappedTalent.