Disability Rights Commision news release

A third of Scots workers believe their boss would be unlikely to help them keep their job if they become disabled, a report reveals today.

A MORI poll for the Disability Rights Commission in Scotland found that 32%  of non disabled workers felt their employers would not make adjustments to help them stay in work following a serious accident.  Almost a quarter (23%)  believed they faced a similar scenario if they developed a long-term health problem.

The poll found that people working in the small business sector were more pessimistic about their job prospects than those working for larger companies. Forty three per cent of workers in companies of less than 25 staff felt it unlikely they would keep their job if they became disabled compared to 26% of those employed in companies with more than 250 employees.

The poll’s findings provide an interesting contrast between workers and bosses’ attitudes. A DRC survey of 1,000 small employers found that the majority (85%) said they would be flexible about hours or minor parts of the job if the employee had the right skills and enthusiasm.

The MORI poll and employer survey are published as part of a DRC campaign aimed at Scotland’s small business owners to dispel some of the myths around retaining disabled staff.  The campaign follows the introduction of new laws for small employers which were introduced in October 2004 which lifted the exemption of small firms from the Disability Discrimination Act.

The DRC’s employment campaign aims to increase confidence among small employers of the benefits of retaining disabled staff and those with long term health conditions, and exploding some popular myths about the additional costs and bureaucracy required.

The campaign will involve: national and regional radio advertising in March 2005, advice and information for small employers, including ‘Top Tips  for Small Businesses’ available from www.drc-gb.org/employment, a CD-Rom specifically designed for small businesses, available from the DRC helpline on 08457 622633 and business briefings for small employer advisers

Link: www.drc-gb.org/scotland/newsroom/news_details.asp?id=793§ion=1