Physical Disability

According to the Deparment of Work and Pensions there are over ten million people with a limiting long term illness, impairment or disability in the UK.  It was reported in the latest Government figures for Scotland that 300,000 individuals in poverty lived in a disabled household. This accounts for 23% of the disabled population.  As well as the increased liklihood of being on a low income there are a range of additional costs that living with a disability can entail. These include transport, toiletries, bedding, food, replacing damaged household items, and any special equipment requirements.

Supporting disabled people into suitable, sustainable employment with opportunities for development and progression can be a useful tool in combatting poverty. Most employers are already successfully employing people who would be covered by the Disability Discrimination Act's definition of a disabled person, whether or not the employer realises it and whether or not the employee chooses to use the term 'disabled' about themselves.

It is not always easy to know who the best person for a particular job is. Following best practice will allow you to look beyond someone's disability or health condition and accurately recognise the potential of everyone who wants to work for you.

The principles of best practice in recruitment also apply to other opportunities in employment, for example in training and career development, and should be taken into account in any selection process

A full guide to recruiting and employing disabled people can be found at www.businesslink.gov.uk