Bridgend County Borough Council has been rewarded for it’s commitment to employ, keep and develop the abilities of disabled staff.
The ‘two ticks’ disability symbol is awarded by Jobcentre Plus to employers that display a positive attitude towards job applications from disabled people. The council has agreed to meet five commitments regarding the recruitment, employment, and retention and career development of disabled people.
The five commitments are:
- to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for a job vacancy and to consider them on their abilities;
- to discuss with disabled employees, at any time but at least once a year, what both parties can do to make sure they can develop and use their abilities;
- to make every effort when employees become disabled to ensure they stay in employment;
- to take action to ensure that all employees develop the appropriate level of disability awareness needed to make these commitments work;
- to review these commitments each year and assess what has been achieved, plan ways to improve on them and let employees and JobCentre Plus know about progress and future plans.
Councillor David Sage, Deputy Leader and chair of the council’s equalities committee, said: “As one of the area’s largest employers, we are always looking to attract motivated and hard-working individuals and this latest development is another example of the excellent work going on in partnership with JobCentre Plus.
“Bridgend County Borough Council offers an array of career opportunities, for full and part time candidates. We are wholly committed to equal opportunities and inclusiveness and this development demonstrates our commitment to not only welcoming people with a disability into the organisation, but also making sure that the necessary procedures and adaptations are in place to support them.”
Bernadette Grant from Jobcentre Plus added: “It is important that employees are given an equal chance in the workplace and have the opportunity to prove their ability and skills regardless of their circumstances. I hope that this award to Bridgend County Borough Council will help to show other employers that they too can adopt these high standards.”
