New employers initiative for hiring and retaining staff with disabilities launched

“A vision of a vibrant, inclusive and thriving Ireland”

On Thursday, 11th March 2021, ‘Employers for Change’, a new Employer Disability Information Service, which has been developed in conjunction with the Open Doors Initiative was launched by An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin T.D. and CEO Tilting the Lens, Sinéad Burke.

Employers for Change will empower employers with the information and advice needed to hire inclusively and employ, manage and retain staff with disabilities.

Commenting on the new service, Employers for Change Director, Christabelle Feeney said:

“There are approximately 650,000 people living with a disability in Ireland. That is one in seven people,

Research shows that people with disabilities have far fewer employment opportunities when compared to their non-disabled peers. In fact, pre COVID-19 a disabled person was half as likely to be in employment compared to their non-disabled peers. (CSO 2016)

To help tackle a lack of information in the area and a reticence in some employers to hire people from this group, Employers for Change provides a central source of information and advice for employers that informs them on all aspects of working with people with disabilities and encourages them to actively recruit from this group.”

An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin T.D., launched the service along with Sinéad Burke, Francesca McDonagh, CEO of Bank of Ireland, and Síne Breslin, Management Associate, Bank of Ireland.

Speaking about the new service, an Taoiseach commented: “The Government has a vision of a vibrant, inclusive and thriving Ireland where no one is left behind. As part of this, I am delighted to launch Employers for Change, a new initiative to support businesses to better identify, understand and remove the barriers that exist to the recruitment and employment of people with disabilities, empowering people with disabilities to achieve their employment goals.”

Employers for Change will:

•                    Provide a dedicated helpline giving advice and information to employers about recruiting and employing people with disabilities, with a response within 24 hours.

•                    Host a central web-based information resource incorporating guidance and a FAQ section.

•                    Provide and participate in awareness raising and outreach activities.

•                    Maintain links with employer stakeholders and disability stakeholders.

•                    Promote the positive business case for the employment of people with disabilities.

The website covers an array of information including inclusive recruitment practice, reasonable accommodation, as well as toolkits, supports and useful links. This provides the opportunity for employers to access advice and training, which will improve their business and their workforce.

People with disabilities bring a different perspective to the table, including creative thinking and problem solving and add great value to business.

Over the coming months, Employers for Change will host various training and events which will help employers understand disability and how to be more inclusive in the recruitment and retention of employees.

Sign-up to receive information by email or follow Employers for Change on social media to keep up-to-date on events and training.

Watch the launch here

Web: www.employersforchange.ie

Email: info@employersforchange.ie

Call, Text or WhatsApp: 0851579603

Twitter: @EmployforChange

LinkedIn: Employers for Change