Remploy Offiscope, the UK’s leading outsourcer employing disabled people, is warning that British businesses are jeopardising their competitiveness by failing to harness the skills of the country’s disabled workforce.
With the latest government statistics showing that unemployment is at its lowest level in 20 years*, a skills gap is fast emerging across the nation.
However, businesses struggling to recruit quality candidates are missing a huge opportunity by ignoring the talent and expertise of Britain’s disabled workforce, which accounts for nearly 20%** of the country’s entire working age population.
Finding it three times as hard as non disabled people to secure employment, disabled employees prove to be extremely committed and hard working. Many employers report that disabled people typically have good attendance and sickness records and display strong company loyalty.***
“As an employer of disabled people who provide outsourced services to a variety of companies throughout the UK, we regularly receive positive feedback on the quality of the work our employees produce and the high level of customer service they provide,” said Dave Knight, General Manager, Remploy Offiscope.
By taking positive diversity measures, businesses also benefit from an improved image with existing and potential customers. With an increasing number of government departments and private sector organisations now demanding that commitments to disability are included in tenders for contracts.***
“The disabled workforce in the UK includes many skilled and committed individuals. Employers who fail to consider disabled people as potential employees or service providers are not only misguided but may also risk damaging their long-term competitiveness, as unemployment levels continue to fall and skilled and loyal staff are at a premium.
“I would encourage all UK employers to broaden their horizons and recognise the contribution that disabled people can offer to a business’s success.”
Maria Eagle, MP, Minister for Disabled People
Remploy Offiscope is the outsourcing business of Remploy, the UK’s largest employer of disabled people. Developed in 2003 in response to the growing demand for outsourced services, Remploy Offiscope provides UK companies
in the financial services, government and charity sectors with access to market research, direct marketing, response services and document management services.
Remploy Offiscope enables businesses to be commercially focused and socially responsible when outsourcing.