Minister stresses contribution of disabled workforce

Employment Minister Carmel Hanna has urged employers to consider recruiting greater numbers of workers with disabilities, because of the valuable and productive contribution such employees can make to the workplace.

The Minister made the comments during her visit to the Ulster Supported Employment Limited (USEL) factory in north Belfast, which is the government’s provider of the New Deal for Disabled People job brokerage service.

The company, which is based in Cambrai Street, has provided employment for over 100 disabled people in their factory and in their Contact Services section.

Paying tribute to USEL for the impact the organisation was making in the employment of people with disabilities, Mrs Hanna said: “I would like to congratulate USEL on the work that they undertake providing employment for disabled people. I know from seeing their work and talking to some of them that they are valuable and productive employees.

“I am very pleased that my Department can offer support to individuals with disabilities and to employers with recruitment needs. Disablement Employment Advisers, based in the JobCentres, can give guidance and support to individuals looking for work. There is a range of programmes which provide financial and practical support to assist disabled people find and retain employment.

She added: “I believe that the devolved government in Northern Ireland will be judged by the manner in which it treats those who have, for too long, been at the margins of society. People with disabilities have so much to offer as members of the workforce and it is vital that they are given the opportunity to contribute their skills, with appropriate support.”

(AMcE)