Research: Significant gaps in employer awareness of government support to recruit disabled workers
The Employee Wellbeing Research 2019, published by the Reward & Employee Benefits Association (REBA) in association with AXA PPP healthcare, showed significant gaps in employer awareness of schemes designed to help businesses improve the diversity of their workforces.
For example, while 72% of employers said they are aware of the Access to Work Scheme, which offers grants to better support workers with disabilities, only 52.8 % were aware of the Disability Confident scheme. Fewer than a third (30.2%) were aware of the government’s Voluntary reporting on disability, mental health and wellbeing framework, published last year.
Even where organisations are aware of these schemes many choose not to use them: over a third (35.5%) of employers opt not to apply for Access to Work grants; almost a third (29%) ignore the Disability Confident scheme; and around a quarter choose not to follow the voluntary reporting framework (24.9%).
At the same time a sizeable majority of employers – almost two-thirds – had concerns about employing people with long-term health problems or disabilities, revealed the survey of 250 wellbeing, HR and employee benefits specialists. These include not having the skills or knowledge to deal with certain situations that may arise with this group, and the resources needed to make reasonable adjustments.
“This indicates that efforts need to be stepped up in publicising government initiatives and support for employers in this area,” said the report.
Download a copy of the 76-page Employee Wellbeing Research 2019 (free to REBA Professional Members and all those working for REBA Associate Members).
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