Recruitment

There are very few jobs that a disabled person cannot do. In some cases, there may be a requirement for reasonable adjustments. Also, if a disabled employee or job applicant believes he or she has been discriminated against, a company might find itself in an employment tribunal. However, an employer does not have to employ a person who is unsuitable for a job.

When recruiting, you should consider the following tips (or download a print frindly version here):

Preparation

  1. Contact your local Jobcentre. They have specialist disability employment advisers who can help with a range of support, including financial support that you may be entitled to. Alternatively, contact us at the Disability Employment Network and we will put you in touch with a local organisation. 
  2. Make it clear in the advertisement that applications from disabled people are encouraged and be prepared to provide application details in alternative formats
  3. Think carefully about the wording of the advertisement – avoiding terms that might dissuade a disabled person from applying
  4. Encourage disclosure about the disability [ i.e. that this detail will be kept separate etc]

Advertising

  1. Consider including job sites and agencies used by disabled people
  2. Advertise through Jobcentre
  3. Ensure any recruitment agency used complies with the DDA

Interviewing

  1. It’s always a good idea that members of the recruitment panel have received recruitment training. It is preferable that they have also received disability awareness training, covering issues such as disability etiquette, workplace adjustments and the DDA. This benefits both the candidate and the employer
  2. Disable candidates may require additional support and time with the interview
  3. It’s best not to make assumptions about how the candidate’s disability will affect his/ her ability to carry out duties and it is always best to ask the candidate if any workplace adjustments are required. Remember, in most cases these are small and low cost and often will benefit the organisation as a whole.

Preparing the organising

  1. The department would benefit from a disability awareness training ahead of the new start arriving.
  2. Treat the new start just like any other and ensure any agreed workplace adjustments have been made.