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Disabled people

Disabled People

Disability-friendly employers

There are some things that can help you identify employers who positively encourage disabled people to apply for jobs or work experience placements. For example, they might display the disability symbol on a job advert.

The 'two ticks' disability symbol

Although employers are bound by the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) to treat you fairly, some of them demonstrate that they are particularly positive about employing and retaining disabled people.

Some employers show this by placing the Jobcentre Plus 'two ticks' disability symbol on their job adverts.

This means the employer has made some specific commitments regarding the employment of disabled people. As part of this, you are guaranteed an interview if you meet the minimum conditions for the job vacancy.

Equal opportunities policies

Many employers have equal opportunities policies. This means the employer agrees to employ people on merit, regardless of things like disability, race, gender or age for example.

It also means that the employer is comitted to treat employees equally and give everybody the same chances.

You may feel more comfortable disclosing a disability to an organisation which has such policies in place.

Job adverts and application forms

An employer may include a statement in a job advert that positively encourages disabled people to apply, and shows that the employer knows about their legal responsibilities under the DDA.

Look out for the following:

  • is the 'two ticks' disability symbol displayed on adverts and application forms?
  • where did you see the advert? Some employers put adverts in places where disabled people are more likely to see them, for example with Disability Employment Advisers at Jobcentres
  • are application forms available in different formats?
  • are arrangements in place that enable candidates to submit forms in the format best suited to them?
  • are you asked on the application form to say whether you have any special requirements for attending an interview?
  • is there a section on the application form asking you to comment on any adjustments you think you might need because of disability or a health condition?

If you are worried about this last issue and would like some advice, talk to your Disability Employment Adviser. They can help you decide on the best way to explain your suitability for the job. They may also contact the employer on your behalf if you would like them to.

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