Disability Confident

At the well-attended Disability Confident event on Friday 13th April, actively supported by David Rutley MP, over fifty representatives from a range of local employers and charities were present to find out more about the support available to help more disabled people into the workplace and fulfil their potential.

Disability Confident is a Government scheme that encourages employers to realise the benefits of more inclusive employment practices, helping to increase the representation of disabled people in the workplace. Since the scheme’s launch in 2013, over two hundred employers in Cheshire have signed up to become Disability Confident, and David hopes yet more local businesses will get behind this important initiative.

Alongside members of the Macclesfield Jobcentre Plus team, David actively worked to organise the recent event, which was kindly hosted by Macclesfield College, itself a recognised Disability Confident employer. Jobcentre Plus Staff were on hand throughout the morning to provide specialist, in-depth advice and guidance, and spoke about specific schemes available to employers, including: Access To Work and Mental Health Support Services. Attendees also heard first-hand from attendees with disabilities about their experiences in the workplace, and the positive impact that employment has had on their lives.

As well as equipping local employers with the information needed to become a Disability Confident employer, the event was also an important opportunity for attendees to build closer links across different sectors and discuss how they can make a positive contribution on this important agenda in and around Macclesfield.

Speaking after the event, David said, “I would like to thank staff at Macclesfield Jobcentre Plus and Macclesfield College for all the energy and commitment they have put into working with me to organise this important event. It is clear that those who attended the event have come away better informed and inspired to assist more disabled people into the workplace and discover the benefits of a more inclusive work environment. I would urge other local employers to find out more about the benefits of becoming Disability Confident going forward.”