Archived decisions

Contact: Jane Goodwin ext 6458 e.mail [email protected]

1. Objective

1.1 The aim of this report is to provide an overview of the discussion that took place at the meeting of the DDA Panel on 23 April 2004 and to draw attention to action that the County Council can take to improve employment opportunities for disabled people within the Council

1.2 This supports Aim 1 `Maximising life opportunities for the whole community', Aim 3 `Achieving Economic Prosperity', Aim 5 `Improving Services' and Aim 6 of the Corporate Strategy by improving job opportunities for disabled people and developing Councillors and staff by raising awareness.

2. Main Issues

2.1 The focus of the meeting was employment issues for disabled people and included presentations from Southampton Centre for Independent Living and Mental Health Services about the barriers faced when seeking employment. Lack of disability awareness was identified as a major barrier especially for people with mental health conditions.

2.2 A report was also presented regarding the numbers of disabled people employed by the Council, 0.65% of all staff (1.3% excluding schools). In order to improve opportunities within the Council the following action is recommended:

_ Ensure that staff and Members receive disability awareness training

_ That senior managers identify action that their department will take to improve employment opportunities for disabled people

_ Promotion of the Two Ticks Scheme - ensure that where a disabled person meets the minimum criteria for a job they are guaranteed an interview

_ Raise awareness that Access to Work funding can support workplace adjustments

_ Take all possible steps to retain staff when they become disabled whilst in Council employment.

2.3 Following the update of the access improvement matrix the panel discussed the important contribution that community groups have made to the access audits. Further development and support for local Access Groups is recommended to ensure that this successful partnership approach can continue.

3. Recommendations

1. That Members of the Buildings, Land and Procurement Panel agree the proposed actions and ensure that they take an active role in promoting employment opportunities for disabled people especially within the Council

2. That all Members be encouraged to attend the Disability Discrimination Act training course

Section 100 D - Local Government Act 1972 - background papers

The following documents disclose facts or matters on which this report, or an important part of it, is based and has been relied upon to a material extent in the preparation of this report.

N.B. the list excludes:

1. Published works

2. Documents which disclose exempt or confidential information as defined in the Act.

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