Local employers encouraged to help close disability employment gap

Over 500 people with disabilities or health conditions are potentially looking for work in Orkney, according to information released as part of a campaign being run by the department for Work and Pensions.

The release of this figure comes ahead of a special event being held in Kirkwall tomorrow morning, which seeks to provide local employers with information about hiring disabled people.

The Disability Confident event, to be held at the Pickaquoy Centre, is part of the UK government’s pledge to halve the disability employment gap and create more opportunities.

The wider campaign is being led by Penny Mordaunt, the minister for disabled people, health and work.

She said: “Halving the disability employment gap is critical if we are to ensure everyone has the opportunity to succeed in life.

“Over the last two years, 365,000 disabled people have entered work, but there is more to do and by bringing together local businesses and people, employers can ensure they don’t miss out on some of the best talent in their community.

“Disabled people make up a significant proportion of the potential workforce and by extending these opportunities, we can have a Britain that works for everyone.”

The Department for Work and Pensions’ Disability Confident event will run in Studio room 2 at the Pickaquoy Centre, from 11am until 12.30pm, tomorrow on September 1.

Further information can be found here.