On Friday 25th November, as one in a series of events in the Government’s Disability Confident campaign, Jo Churchill MP hosted her first Disability Confident Jobs Fair at West Suffolk College. Its aim was to highlight the benefits businesses can gain by recruiting across all society and how employers can accommodate the needs of less abled staff. The event hosted a range of exhibitors including ACAS, OneLife Suffolk, Driving Miss Daisy, Avenues Group and Green Wellies amongst many more.
Speaking after the event, Jo Churchill MP said: “Over the last two years, 365,000 disabled people have entered work, but there is more to do. That is why, I have brought together today’s exhibitors with our local business men and women who want to better understand how they can support all employees.
Already, Bury St Edmunds sits well above the national average with a 67% employment rate for disabled people, compared to 48% nationally. These figures reflect brilliantly on our local employers and it is right that we discuss the steps that are already being taken by businesses as well as what more can be done.
However, more than anything, this campaign is aiming to address any work place misconceptions about disabled people and ensure those already in work or preparing for work are supported, but not defined by their disability. I know that, with a number of businesses having signed up today to be a certified ‘Disability Confident’ employer, this is a positive step towards widening the discussion and ultimately, closing the disability employment gap.”