As well as providing networking opportunities, through Regional Groups, DEN acts as a signpost service for accessible and appropriate training and development to disabled entrepreneurs and assists in looking at strategic issues around disability, small business management and self-employment.

START

Ability services host the service on behalf of ADP.

What are the benefits for my business?

There are many benefits to an inclusive workforce. Not only has research shown that disabled employees are just as productive as their non-disabled colleagues, they are also less likely to have time off sick, have fewer accidents and they stay in their jobs longer.

Here are just some of the advantages of a diverse workforce:

• Support with advice on recruitment process
• How employers can support disabled people in the workforce
• Staff retention
• Guidance on absence management policies & disabled people
• 'Disability confidence campaign'
• Customer understanding & engagement
• The Blue Pound: Increasing your share of the market

Access to work - helping employers fulfill their duties

Access to Work helps employers to fulfil their duties under the Equality Act 2010. The scheme also enables employers to retain valuable employees who become disabled. This saves valuable time spent recruiting replacement staff. Access to Work also enables employers to take on new employees who are disabled.

Recruitment

Access to Work will pay for the cost of a support worker at an interview, such as a British Sign Language interpreter.

Employment

Access to Work can help you to employ a disabled person. As an employer you will have to make "Reasonable Adjustments" to provide equality in the workplace. Some reasonable adjustments have no costs attached; they may be about changing your working practices e.g. making sure the floor is clear so that a visually impaired employee does not trip over hazards. Other adjustments maybe more costly e.g. providing a support worker for a disabled employee or specialist computer equipment. But Access to Work can support you. The full cost of support workers and travel is always met by Access to Work. Employers do not have to make a contribution.

If a disabled person applies within the first 6 weeks of employment, all the costs of their specialist equipment are met by Access to Work. If an employee applies and has worked for 6 weeks or more, an employer may have to pay towards equipment. This depends on how many employees the employer has. For further details of this cost sharing, contact our advisors.

Retention

The majority of disabled people acquire their impairment or health condition. Many of your employees will become disabled while they are working for you. Access to Work can help you to retain their skills and avoid the cost of recruiting and training new staff.

For more information please contact us and visit our website.

The Disabled Entrepreneurs Network (DEN) is operated by the Association of Disabled Professionals (ADP). DEN provides networking opportunities and information services for self-employed disabled people and those setting up and running their own small businesses.