LOCAL MP, Michelle Donelan, hosted an event at Melksham Town Hall last week, to promote the Government’s Disability Confident scheme.
The Disability Confident scheme supports employers to make the most of the talents disabled people can bring to a workplace – demonstrating a commitment to equality in the workplace.
Employers in the area were invited to the event to hear more about the scheme, to listen to talks from the Department of Work and Pensions about support available for employers; and presentations from businesses and organisations sharing their experience of the scheme.
The MP and her team have hailed the event as a success, with a number of employers signing up to the scheme.
Speaking to Melksham News at the event, she said, “With this event I am trying to get awareness out there, create more opportunities for disabled people, and help breakdown the barriers that disabled people face in the workplace.
“Disabled people might have jobs, but do they have the careers they want? Are they getting promotion opportunities? Are there enough opportunities for them to pursue the careers they want?
“Today we heard moving and passionate stories from disabled people and their employers – I hope that this will encourage other employers to be more diverse and welcoming. There are many benefits of employing disabled people – statistics show there are better rates of retention, loyalty and other qualities that employers look for from their employees.
“A number of people have signed up to the Disability Confident scheme, and employers that are already involved have pledged to work towards the next level of the scheme. Being ‘Disability Confident’ is not just a badge – disabled people will see it and know that they are not going to be discriminated against – that they will be welcomed.
“This is the first time I have run an event like this, and I intend to do another elsewhere in the constituency. It’s important to reach as many small businesses in the area as possible, as they are the ones that employ the most people.”
