Employers slow to employ disabled workers despite grants

MILLIONS of euro worth of grants and supports available for employers who hire people with a disability are not being accessed because of a reluctance to take on workers from this sector, a spokesman for a disability lobby group has warned.

Employers prepared to take on someone with a disability can avail of a range of different supports, from grants of up to €10,000 to resources such as job coaches and sign interpreters and physical supports like ramps, seating, lifts and hoists.

However, according to Dermot Hayes, network support officer for the Munster branch of the lobby group People with Disabilities in Ireland, many of these incentives are not being taken up because of public uncertainty about the issue of taking on an employee with a disability.

“It’s not something that readily comes to mind to an employer because the Government is not promoting it as actively as it could,” he said, adding that 64% of the eligible working population of people with a disability in Ireland were unemployed.

“There have been great moves in the last few years. The Disability Act has been put in place, but resources need to match the legislation. Transport is a huge issue. Getting to work alone can be a major challenge.”

Minister of State for Trade and Commerce, Michael Ahern is one of a number of speakers addressing a seminar to highlight the benefits of employing people with disabilities in Cork later this week.

Employers wishing to participate should contact John Gilbert at 028 36342 or 087 131 7292.