Disability Confident event held by Graham Evans MP proves
great success
BUSINESSES from across Cheshire attended the event to learn more about the many benefits of hiring more employees with disabilities.
Representatives from a number of charities and organisations set up stalls for local employers to come and speak to them.
The companies were then able to explain their employment needs and the organisations could explain what support was available both from them and the government. There were also businesses present who already benefit from recruiting those with disabilities and were able to answer any questions employers may have had.
Weaver Vale MP, Graham Evans, who hosted the event said he was delighted with the success of this inaugural event.
He said: “I’m really proud that 19 companies from across Cheshire have signed up today and pledged to become Disability Confident employers. Big companies such as B&M, Tata Chemicals and ABB Ltd, organisations such as Weaver Vale Housing Trust and Cheshire Constabulary and our local authorities Cheshire West and Chester and Halton Borough Council have all committed to giving employment opportunities to those with disabilities.”
“This event is all about encouraging employers to see the ability rather than the disability. No one is asking for any favours. People just want the chance to have an interview. Everyone has their own strengths and we want businesses to see there is a huge amount of potential out there.”
“I also want to thank those who has a stall at today’s event,” said Graham.
These included the Shaw Trust, which focuses on bringing people with disabilities into work, Cheshire Centre for Independent Living, Vale Royal Disability Service, Cheshire Wildlife Trust and Barclays Plc.
“And of course The Clear Company for sponsoring the event,” he concluded.
Kate Hedley from the Clear Company said
"“The success of this event is testament to the fact that whilst organisations are largely open to engaging with disabled candidates, there is a real need for information and support around how this can be done most effectively.”
“There is immense support available, from Government and other third party organisations, and events such as this allow us to share that message.”
“While the Clear Company works with large corporates across the UK to assist them in becoming more inclusive, meeting employers in my local constituency, who are open to the wealth of opportunity that engaging with disabled jobseekers offers, fills me with immense pride.”
“I’d like to thank my local MP, Graham Evans, for hosting the event as well as all the organisations which exhibited and attendees who pledged their support to becoming disability confident on the day. By working together, we can not only give organisations access to more diverse talent pools, but also make a powerful difference at a personal level – for candidates with a disability that are able to find work – this shift in understanding can be truly life changing.”
Those companies who have signed up today are:
ABB Ltd
Arthritis Care
B&M
Brio Leisure
Cheshire Community Development Trust
Cheshire Constabulary
Cheshire West and Chester Council
Cheshire Wildlife Trust
Chester Phab
Chester West and Chester Education and Children’s Service
Community Integrated Care
Deafness Support Network
Halton Borough Council
Tata Chemical sLtd
Telecom Plus
The Alternative Futures Group
Vale Royal Disability Service
Weaver Vale Housing Trust
West Cheshire College