Small businesses in the dark about employing disabled staff

Research released today by ComRes and Remploy found only 8% of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that do not employ disabled people have any interest in finding out more about people with disabilities joining their companies.

SMEs make up more than 99% of all businesses in the UK and the research shows people with mental health issues or learning disabilities are twice as likely not to be employed by SMEs as other groups experiencing barriers to employment.

One in five SME businesses employ disabled people but 65% said they were unlikely to employ someone with a learning disability while 69% would be unlikely to hire someone with mental health issues.

While more than two thirds of SME employers believe they do not require any information on employing people with disabilities and 65% said they did not need support on legal requirements, only half were familiar with the provisions of the Disability Discrimination Act.

Tim Matthews, Remploy chief executive, said: "This research shows employers believe employing people with disabilities has a positive impact on staff morale and is good for business reputation. Remploy works with thousands of businesses which employ disabled people, but it is clear that many more businesses need support.

 "Businesses say they are concerned that disabled employees may not be as loyal as non-disabled colleagues and require more HR support. But our experience shows that people placed into work by Remploy are more likely to stay in the job and take less time off work."

 "The employment levels among people with mental health issues and learning disabilities is nothing short of scandalous. We in business should be concentrating on their abilities and support disabled people to achieve their full potential, which is what International Day of Disabled People celebrates today."

Remploy is publishing a Disability Handbook today which provides advice and information for employers and encourages them to recognise the skills and abilities of disabled people and the strong business case for their employment.