The number of Disability Confident employers in the UK has reached a record-breaking 20,000, as more businesses have joined the likes of Microsoft, Sainsbury’s and Network Rail, who already lead the way as inclusive employers.

This comes as the government announces it will boost the number of specialist advisers dedicated to helping disabled jobseekers to secure and stay in work, with an additional 315 Disability Employment Advisor (DEA) roles to be in jobcentres across the UK by May 2021.

Minister for Disabled People, Justin Tomlinson, said:

“We are committed to seeing one million more disabled people in work by 2027 and as we recover from the pandemic we are redoubling our efforts to boost the support for disabled jobseekers. I know this is a challenging time, but we will be building on the record disability employment we have seen by protecting, supporting and creating jobs for disabled people.

“I know personally how valuable a diverse and inclusive workforce can be, so it is fantastic to see employers across Britain signing up to government programmes like Disability Confident. I would encourage other organisations, big or small, to follow their example and support disabled people to unlock their full potential.”

The recruitment drive builds on the 13,500 new Work Coaches taken on by the department over the past nine months to support Britain’s recovery effort. The additional Disability Employment Advisers roles will start to be filled internally from this month, bringing total numbers to 1,115 once the process is complete.

DEAs cover every jobcentre in the country and work alongside Work Coaches, specialising in finding the right support to help clients who have a disability or health condition into work.

With the UK government’s Plan for Jobs underpinned by the Access to Work scheme, people with disabilities are already benefitting. The scheme, now available to those who work from home, includes grants worth up to £62,900 and can cover the cost of the workplace adjustments that disabled people need to do their jobs, including sign language interpreters, as well as services such as mental health support.

Employers must make reasonable adjustments to ensure workers with disabilities, or physical or mental health conditions, aren’t substantially disadvantaged at work. This applies to all workers, including trainees, apprentices, contract workers and business partners.

An Access to Work grant can pay for:

Special equipment, adaptations or support worker services to help employees do things like answer the phone or go to meetings; and

Help for employees getting to and from work.