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Are employers doing enough to employ people with a disability?

6th April 2018

  • Misconception that employing people with disabilities is costly.
  • Investment in diversity and inclusion increases revenue for all businesses.
  • Launch of the ‘Employer Peer Network’.  

ISME, the Irish SME Association is a consortium partner of the ‘Employer Disability Information’ service (EDI); a government funded support for Irish employers. Along with our consortium partners, Ibec and Chambers Ireland, the service provides free advice and information for employers who need support on the recruitment, management and retention of employees with a disability; it is a one stop shop for all employers when hiring or retaining a person with a disability. The Association highlights the benefits of diversity and inclusion.

Many companies are increasing their competitive edge by focusing on diverse hiring, in particular recruiting and retaining staff with disabilities. Investment in CSR, diversity and inclusion initiatives is not only helping many companies attract and retain top talent, they also increase sales revenue and promote a positive public image, see report here. Potential new staff are much more critical than before of companies who are perceived as being unequal or where employees feel that they cannot bring their ‘whole self’ to work.

Diversity and inclusion are hot topics at the moment but many are fearful of issues such as employee performance, cost of supports, attendance, retention and health & safety. The biggest barrier for people with disabilities accessing employment is attitude and the perception that disability is difficult and costly to accommodate at work. This is not the case, there are supports out there for employers.

Last week EDI launched the ‘Employer Peer Network’, which aims to increase of person with a disability by establishing supports and allies.

Commenting on this, EDI Project Manager Seònaid Ó Murchadha said Employers are missing out on an untapped pool of skilled talent. People with a disability are often creative thinkers and innovative problem solvers. The EDI service is aimed at employers to let them know about the supports and resources that are available when hiring someone with a disability”

ENDS

For further information, please contact

Seònaid Ó Murchadha, Project Manager of EDI

T: 01 6762014, M: 086 170 0472

E: [email protected]