Last week I had the pleasure of meeting with dozens of businesses from across the constituency and wider Cheshire area who want to help people with long-term health conditions or disability succeed in work.
They wanted to learn more, share experiences, as well as find out what help is out there for both them and future employees.
As someone who employs a staff member with multiple health problems, I know how making small changes can help. She works from home, has flexible hours, meaning she can manage health and appointments, as well as continuing to work – this has been the case for many years, long before people became used to working from home during lockdown.
From personal experience I knew small adaptations make a huge difference and that is why when I was Disability Minister in the Department for Work and Pensions, I created Disability Confident back in 2013. It is about giving confidence to both parties and the free employer membership programme supports local employers attract, recruit, and develop the talents of disabled people and those with long term health conditions through advice, shared best practice and financial support via Access to Work.
Our latest local event was a great success and I was delighted how many businesses took the time to get involved. I have had good feedback and I am sure we can all work together to create and sustain employment opportunities for disabled people. Not only is it good for businesses to take on highly qualified people it is good for people looking for employment.
We need to dispel myths that disabled people or those with long term health conditions cost more money or take more time off work. Until we change attitudes employers are missing out on a valuable pool of potential skills.
Many Cheshire businesses are already signed up and I know many more have expressed an interest since last week’s event. Nationally more than 20,000 businesses are on board including big names such as Sainsburys, Microsoft and Network Rail but I also want to ensure we have a system that works for everyone, including small businesses that are the backbone of our economy.
More than 80 per cent of us will acquire a disability during our life - so this shared knowledge and support is essential for all of us.
