The BBC2 series Employable Me has returned, following the story of eight jobseekers who have taken part in a scheme which brings together people from across the disability spectrum to help each other with the challenge of finding employment. It is broadcast at 9pm on Mondays.
According to research earlier this year by Scope almost half of disabled people fear disclosing their conditions to employers, feeling they could limit work opportunities or lead to them not be taken on in the first place, . The organisation has called for more openness about impairments in the workplace and better opportunities for those who have them.
Disabled jobseekers have called the findings a ‘reality check on what the world is really like’ with many sharing stories of being turned down for hundreds of jobs. The research shows that for every 100 disabled people entering the employment market, 114 are leaving but has made recommendations to change this situation.
Scope has called for employers to make it clear that adjustments and support are available, to create more senior roles for disabled people and develop peer support opportunities. They also want the Government to develop a hub of information and resources for working disabled people and to invest in and improve the Access To Work programme.
