Inclusion is about ensuring that ALL young people are prepared for whatever optimum career and life outcomes looks like for them – leading a purposeful life that is well supported or being at the highest levels of education or employment and everything in between.
For years, employers have maintained low expectations when it comes to hiring disabled employees.
As a result, the workforce of disabled people is greatly underutilised.
Today, companies are highly interested in recruiting disabled people. This change in perception is not only favourable for disabled individuals but it is also beneficial for the employers.
A Mencap report exploring the business benefits of employing people with SEND found that; 87% of customers would rather give their custom to organisations who hire a diverse workforce; 92% think more highly of a company that hires disabled people; 5.9% of adults with a learning disability are in paid employment even though over 65% want a job; they are 3.5X’s more likely to stay in a job role saving on recruitment and downtime costs; an employee with SEND is less likely to take time off sick and less likely to be late.
It's extremely crucial for filling the gaps in the employment market, they are great workers, really worth employing. Make the most of building relationships with the schools so you can have the pupils in for work experience and then they can grow with you and you can find their strengths and allocate the correct roles.
Our ambition is to increase the number of employer engagement opportunities for young people with additional needs including SEND (special educational needs and disabilities) and those who are vulnerable and/or disadvantaged who also face barriers to employment.
Employers are vital in ensuring all young people have access to opportunities and the largest group that can make a huge dent in achieving economic and societal inclusion is, of course, employers.
A practical guide/information booklet is coming soon – we recognise you may need support with this initiative, in particular to raise your confidence with understanding more about young people with SEND and additional needs.
We would like to hear from employers who are willing to support inclusive employment, please contact mandy.morland@enterprisingcumbria.org.uk.
Support to help you become an inclusive employer
There are plenty of tools and resources to support employers in becoming inclusive, take a look below to find out more.
Disability Confident
Information about employing disabled people and how the Disability Confident employer scheme can help your business.
Access To Work Grant Scheme for Employers
Access to Work is a publicly funded employment support grant scheme that can provide practical and financial support for people who have a disability or physical or mental health condition. An Access to Work grant can pay for practical support to enable your employee to start or stay in work.
Disability Confident Video
If you have 10 minutes to spare, take a look at this video to see the benefits of becoming a Disability Confident Employer and how to do it.
Scope for Business
Scope supports businesses with disability inclusion.
"We want a society where all disabled staff, jobseekers and consumers have equal access. We also understand the challenges businesses have with accessibility and inclusion."
Opening up opportunities to our young people
Offering opportunities to young people in alternative provision can help you meet your skills needs.
Recruiting young people with additional needs can benefit your business.
Hear how the Castle Green Hotel now employs young people with additional needs after offering them work experience with the support of Sandgate School.
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