Recruitment and disabled people

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Recruitment and disabled people

Job specifications

The job specification (or ‘person requirements’) of a vacancy must not exclude disabled people from applying for a job.

However, some jobs may have an essential requirement which can’t be met with a reasonable adjustment.

Examples

A vacancy for a van driver says the person must be able to drive. This might exclude some disabled people, but it is an essential part of the job.

A company advertises a job with occasional travel necessary. The person could go by train so the company should not say that the person needs a driving licence.

If you reject a disabled candidate, it must be based on their performance at interview rather than having to make reasonable adjustments.

Encouraging applications

Your local Jobcentre Plus can help with:

  • making sure your application process is accessible
  • advising you about recruitment practices which open up jobs to disabled people
  • information about making reasonable adjustments which can help someone start or keep their job

Contact Jobcentre Plus to find out more.

Jobcentre Plus
Telephone: 0845 604 3719
Textphone: 0845 608 8551
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 9am to 5pm
Wednesday, 10am to 5pm
Find out about call charges

Positive action in job adverts (‘Two Ticks’ symbol)

You can use the Two Ticks symbol on adverts to show that you encourage applications from disabled people.

The Two Ticks symbol is only used in England, Scotland and Wales.

You must be given permission by Jobcentre Plus to use the Two Ticks symbol. You can get this by showing them you have made 5 commitments:

  • to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for a job vacancy and to consider them on their abilities
  • to discuss with disabled employees, at any time but at least once a year, what you can both do to make sure they can develop and use their abilities
  • to make every effort when employees become disabled to make sure they stay in employment
  • to take action to ensure that all employees develop the appropriate level of disability awareness needed to make these commitments work
  • to review these commitments every year and assess what has been achieved, plan ways to improve on them and let employees and Jobcentre Plus know about progress and future plans

Contact Jobcentre Plus to find out more about being awarded the disability symbol.

Alternative formats

You must provide information about the vacancy in alternative formats (eg large print) on request if this is reasonable. You must also accept applications in alternative formats (eg electronically) where possible.

Reasonable adjustments

You can ask if a candidate needs an adjustment to the recruitment process to allow them to be considered for the job, or you can wait to be told.

You must make adjustments if they’re reasonable, eg allowing:

  • wheelchair users to have their interview on the ground floor
  • candidates to complete a written test using a computer

After you’ve made a job offer, you can ask what adjustments they’ll need to do the job.

Access to Work can help pay for reasonable adjustments to the workplace.

Work Choice programme

Work Choice is a voluntary Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) employment programme which helps disabled people with more complex issues find work and stay in a job.

You can work with a provider to offer support packages which are designed for your business and which aim to develop the skills and abilities of a disabled person who needs specialist support.

Eligibility

There are no restrictions on the type of work you can offer, except that it must be for 16 hours or more per week.

Contact Jobcentre Plus to find out more and to speak to a Disability Employment Adviser (DEA).

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Without the Growth Hubs help and assistance, we would never have been able to increase our sales & output and also grow our local business. With this help in purchasing new equipment we have expanded our operations and gained a new and increased customer base.

Nuneaton Roof Truss,

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In the short time since first engaging with the Warwickshire Growth Hub we feel that Laura has understood our vision and has been so very supportive in linking us to the specialist teams who are now supporting us with training, finance and recruitment. A great service that every growing organisation should connect with

MES Systems Limited,

I have had an excellent experience working with Laura from the Growth Hub, from day one, she was taking detailed attention to my concerns and ideas. She was able to put me in contact with different organisations and people to find out answers to my questions and help me to solve some inquiries I was having. I feel this support definitely had a positive impact in my plans. 

 

PALACIOS LTD,

It’s been a fantastic inaugural eight months for the TalentTech Recruitment team and, although the reality of setting up and running a company can be a somewhat daunting experience, we have been extremely grateful for the superb help, advice and guidance given to us along our journey by Gavin Barnett and the team at CW Growth Hub. Gavin’s introductions to both Warwick & Coventry Universities and his wider business network have been absolutely invaluable.

TalentTech Recruitment LTD,

For many individuals out there, it is very hard to figure out ways and know which direction to go when it comes to setting up a business. The challenges of taking your idea and bringing it to life and not knowing where to go and who to speak to for advice. it can get very frustrating..

King of Saffron LTD,

This grant [which we received with the help of the Growth Hub and Coventry City Council] will really help us get on track for business growth and succeed with our vision. Personally, I would also like to thank the team for supporting me through the grant application process. You have been very approachable and attentive throughout.

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Thanks to CW Growth hub getting us access to grant funding we have been able to invest in the latest computer monitoring system, which will enable us to compete with the national companies within our industry.

Comrie Leisure Limited,

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