One way of visibly demonstrating your commitment to disabled employees is by acquiring the Disability Symbol (also known as the “Two Ticks” symbol). This is an accreditation given by Jobcentre Plus to employers who agree to meet the following five commitments:
1. To interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for a job vacancy and consider them on their abilities. This commitment applies to all vacancies, internal and external.
2. To ensure there is a mechanism in place to discuss, at any time - but at least once a year - with disabled employees what they can do to make sure they can develop and use their abilities.
3. To make every effort when employees become disabled to make sure they stay in employment.
4. To take action to ensure that all employees develop the appropriate level of disability awareness needed to make your commitments work.
5. To review the five commitments and what has been achieved yearly, planning ways to improve on them and letting employees and Jobcentre Plus know about progress and future plans.
Becoming a Disability Symbol user can help your business if you are reviewing your approach to employing disabled people or trying to create a more diverse workforce. The symbol will make it clear to disabled people that you welcome applications from them and are positive about their abilities. Existing employees will see that you value their contribution and will treat them fairly should they become disabled.
For more information contact your local Jobcentre Plus.
We are keen to attract the best people from a wide range of sources. Our partnership with Evenbreak is pivotal in helping us attract talented disabled people for a wide range of roles within Network Rail.
Adrian Thomas, Head of Resourcing Network Rail