Small employers need more support to help with disabled workers

Disabled workers face barriers in achieving equal access to employment opportunities in small businesses, according to a recent report by disability charity RADAR.

The report Jobs worth - disability in small business found that over 95% of small- to medium-sized employers (those with under 500 workers) are unaware of government support to meet disability-related needs in the workplace. And nearly 80% do not know where to go to get information and advice.

Jobs worth, supported by the Disability Rights Commission and the Federation of Small Businesses, found that there is a growing willingness among small- to medium-sized employers to think positively about employing and retaining disabled employees. However, they are being failed by a lack of effective information and support.

The report was based on a survey of 1,200 small firms and found a relatively high awareness of disability issues, with almost half of respondents saying that they had some experience of employing disabled people.

RADAR said: ""Failure by the government to provide small businesses with adequate information and support has resulted in a real loss of employment opportunity for disabled people and many smaller employers' ability to tap into the wealth of expertise that disabled people have to offer."

For further information contact RADAR, tel: 020 7566 0118:

e-mail: [email protected]