Disability friendly employers
There are some things that can help you identify employers who positively encourage disabled people to apply for jobs or work experience placements. For example, they might display the disability symbol on a job advert.
The ‘two ticks’ disability symbol
Employers are bound by the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) to treat you fairly. But some of them demonstrate that they are particularly positive about employing and retaining disabled people.
Some employers show this by placing the Jobcentre Plus ‘two ticks’ disability symbol on their job adverts.
This means the employer has made some specific commitments regarding the employment of disabled people. As part of this, you are guaranteed an interview if you meet the minimum conditions for the job vacancy.
Equal opportunities policies
Many employers have equal opportunities policies. This means the employer agrees to employ people on merit, regardless of things like disability, race, gender or age for example.
It also means that the employer is committed to treat employees equally and give everybody the same chances.
You may feel more comfortable disclosing a disability to an organisation which has such policies in place.
Job adverts and application forms
A job advert may positively encourage disabled people to apply, and show the employer understands their legal responsibilities under the DDA.
Look out for the following:
- is the ‘two ticks’ disability symbol displayed on adverts and application forms?
- where did you see the advert – some employers put adverts in places where disabled people are more likely to see them, for example with Disability Employment Advisers at Jobcentres
- are application forms available in different formats?
- are arrangements in place that enable candidates to submit forms in the format best suited to them?
- are you asked on the application form to say whether you have any special requirements for attending an interview?
- is there a section on the application form asking you to comment on any adjustments you think you might need because of disability or a health condition?
If you are worried about this last issue and would like some advice, talk to your Disability Employment Adviser. They can help you decide on the best way to explain your suitability for the job. They may also contact the employer on your behalf if you would like them to.
Services provided by Disability Employment Advisers
Your Disability Employment Adviser can offer you:
- an employment assessment to help you identify what type of work or training suits you best
- a referral, if needed, for a specialist employment assessment with a Work Psychologist to help you prepare to find and stay in work
- a job-matching and referral service – the DEA can let you know about jobs that match your experience and skills and provide advice about Access to Work, if required
- a referral, where appropriate, to the Work Programme to help you prepare for and stay in work
- a referral, where appropriate, to a programme for disabled people, like Work Choice or Residential Training
- information on employers in your area who have adopted the ‘two ticks’ disability symbol
Employment assessments
An employment assessment can help you identify your abilities and strengths. At the end of it, you and your DEA will have created an action plan of steps you can take towards achieving your employment goals.
What happens at the assessment
Your employment assessment will usually take place at your local Jobcentre. You will have an interview with your DEA, which is an opportunity for the two of you to:
- talk about your skills and abilities
- discuss any previous work experience you may have
- agree what might be the most suitable job for you
As part of the assessment, you may be asked to perform some tasks and provide information to help you identify your strengths, abilities and skills.
The assessment may take half a day or longer, depending on your individual needs. The DEA will discuss the length of your assessment with you beforehand.
After the assessment
You and your DEA will talk about your assessment and agree on an action plan to help you achieve your job goals. Your action plan may include training or taking part in the Work Choice or the Work programme.
An employment assessment does not affect your benefits.