On Friday 23rd March, Kit Malthouse MP hosted a Disability Confident event for employers at Enham Trust and was joined by fellow Minister at the Department for Work and Pensions, Disabilities Minister Sarah Newton MP.
The Disability Confident scheme aims to challenge negative attitudes towards employing disabled people, promote equal employment opportunities and explain how being disability confident can change attitudes for the better.
The event was attended by local charities such as the Macular Society, Mencap, the Poppy Factory and Mind as well as the excellent team from Andover Job Centre Plus.
Businesses De La Rue, Ocado, Aster, Coop, Le-Creuset, Natwest, Unity, Sodexo, RBS, Threthowans Solicitors, SSAFA, Shaw Trust, RCS Ltd, Blue Arrow, GiGroup, Stannah, Simplyhealth and Andover Radio Limited, also joined the local MP at the event.
Nearly all of the businesses signed up to become Disability Confident. Enham Trust gained Disability Confident Leader status under the scheme last year and received a certificate from Minister Sarah Newton MP.
Local MP and Minister Kit Malthouse said “Getting more disabled people into jobs lets them bring their talents into the workplace, but also gives employers access to the new ideas, new thinking and new skills they offer. It is a win-win for everyone and I am very pleased that so many businesses agreed on Friday and signed up.”
Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work, Sarah Newton said “Signing up to the Disability Confident scheme sends a powerful message to potential employees that they will get the support they need to thrive in the workplace.
“I want to congratulate Enham Trust for taking steps to create more Disability Confident employers in the Hampshire area. By bringing together local businesses and people, employers can ensure they don’t miss out on some of the best talent in their community.”
Heath Gunn, CEO of Enham Trust, commented “I would like to thank Sarah Newton and Kit Malthouse for their support at our event. It was fantastic to see so many local organisations come together to find out more about the scheme and how Enham Trust can support them on their Disability Confident journey. We hope this event will be a step change within our local community and we will see real progression locally in the support provided by local employers for disabled people.”