Lack of Resources Hindering Disability Employment

Limited resources are the main barrier for companies in implementing employment initiatives for people with disability, according to new figures from the Business Council of Australia.

The Recognising Ability: Business and the Employment of People with Disability report by the Business Council of Australia (BCA) found that 75 per cent of Australian companies have a plan or strategy for employing people with disability.

The survey of BCA member companies also found that one third of companies actively sought to employ people with disability and  that 93 per cent of companies had a strategy to recognise and support mental health issues in the workplace.

BCA CEO, Jennifer Westacott, said ensuring people with disability were involved in meaningful employment was critical to Australia’s future.

“Inclusion, diversity and flexible work practices aren’t just fashionable concepts, they are at the heart of workplaces of the future. Those workplaces need to be designed to unlock the best in all Australians,” Westacott said.

“One in five Australians has a disability, and many more live with or care for someone with disability, 15 per cent of our working age population have a disability. That’s 2.2 million people, of which almost half were not in the labour force in 2012.

“For people with disability, employment is not just about a job. It’s about being valued, useful and included. For business, it’s in their best interest to have access to diverse talent and a workforce that’s inclusive of the community.”

The report found limited resources was the main issue standing in the way of companies implementing employment initiatives for people with disability.

“For many companies, a focus on disability is competing with other diversity focus areas – gender balance, Indigenous engagement – for resources. Confidence and knowing what to do and where to start are also challenges,” the report said.

The full report can be downloaded here.