DON’T focus on disability – look for the ability.

That’s the message from the UK’s disabled workforce.

A third of disabled people feel they suffer from prejudice, and one in four firms admit they are less likely to employ one of them

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A third of disabled people feel they suffer from prejudice, and one in four firms admit they are less likely to employ one of themCredit: Getty Images – Getty

Of the 6.8million working-age people with some form of disability, less than 47 per cent are in employment — compared to more than 75 per cent of non-disabled people.

This gap has steadily dropped over 14 years but inclusivity is still elusive.

Charities say there remain a million people in this group who want to work but cannot find jobs.

A third of disabled people feel they suffer from prejudice, and one in four firms admit they are less likely to employ one of them.

Government, charities and activists are now pushing to make sure disabled workers are properly represented across every sector.

One area where job opportunities are increasing is in the media, with growing numbers of disabled influencers, actors and journalists helping to change perceptions.

Jobspot

THE MASSAGE COMPANY has 20 vacancies for massage therapists.

Influencers champion inclusivity

JASMINE Whipps, known as Jazzy, is a deaf influencer with 200,000 subscribers on YouTube.

The 21-year-old from South East London set up her channel after leaving secondary school in 2015.

Deaf influencer Jasmine 'Jazzy' Whipps says: 'We still need to break barriers, but my work aims to allow people to learn and connect effectively'

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Deaf influencer Jasmine ‘Jazzy’ Whipps says: ‘We still need to break barriers, but my work aims to allow people to learn and connect effectively’

She said: “I began by making hair and make-up videos after watching other beauty YouTubers.

“I hadn’t seen any other deaf creators so I felt a need to start something. Soon I was receiving hundreds of comments from the deaf audience wanting more.

“That made me realise that it’s important to have deaf role models for young people to show being deaf is not going to stop you from doing what you love to do, and there’s nothing to be ashamed of.

“Now there are many more deaf and disabled creators coming through which is fantastic, as I feel it was hidden when I was younger.

“The rise in deaf creators also means there are more people keen to learn British Sign Language.

“We still need to break barriers, but my work aims to allow people to learn and connect effectively.”

See Jazzy on her YouTube channel at bit.ly/368DLkU.

Tips on getting a start

DON’T be afraid to ask for help.

Jobcentre work coaches are there to support you to get the role you want, whether you need to learn new skills, write a CV or succeed at an interview.

  • Cast your net wide. Website findajob.dwp.gov.uk lets you search for roles across all sectors. You can also search for “Disability Confident” employers who have made a serious commitment to building a diverse workforce.
  • Network. If you’re in a job but looking for something new, widen your reach by joining the disabled employees networking site PurpleSpace.
  • Use what’s on offer. The Government’s Access To Work scheme provides grants for equipment or services to help you do the job you want.
  • Find jobs at scope.org.uk/employment-services, remploy.co.uk and disabilityjobsite.co.uk

Winning ways for women

LOCKDOWN has hit women in the job market hardest, with just 41.5 per cent of new roles going to them.

Charlotte Davies, careers expert at LinkedIn, believes women will need to rebuild their career confidence as lockdown lifts.

Lockdown has hit women in the job market hardest with just 41.5 per cent of new roles going to them

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Lockdown has hit women in the job market hardest with just 41.5 per cent of new roles going to themCredit: Getty Images – Getty

She says: “With the extra demands on our time and heightened stress due to the pandemic, there is no wonder that women’s confidence levels have taken a hit.”

These are her top tips.

  • Follow your strengths: Ask a friend to reflect on what your strong points are. It will build up confidence and can lead you to put yourself forward for more opportunities at work.
  • Lean on your community: Reach out and ask for support when you need it, particularly from your female peer group.
  • Negotiate a work contract that works for you: Speak to your employer about flexible working options. Find out more at bit.ly/375LYWh.
  • Learn a new skill: Microsoft and LinkedIn have teamed up to offer nearly 1,000 hours of courses. See opportunity.linkedin.com.
  • Find a female mentor: Mentors are good anyway, but a female mentor you look up to is best for visualising what you want to achieve.

Jobspot

BRADFORDS BUILDING SUPPLIES has 35 roles including sales, driving jobs, stock control and e-commerce roles.

Begin in business

YOUNG and looking for a job that’s the biz?

Business advisory firm BDO has 450 jobs for trainees to start in 2021.

Paul Eagland says we need to help kickstart young people's careers

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Paul Eagland says we need to help kickstart young people’s careersCredit: YouTube

More than 100 of the available positions will be school leaver apprenticeships, with the majority of the 450 trainees undertaking a level 7 apprenticeship programme – equivalent to a master’s degree.

And over 300 of the new trainees will be recruited to BDO’s audit department.

Paul Eagland, managing partner at BDO, said: “We are living in uncertain times, particularly for young people looking to kickstart their careers, which is why it’s important to look ahead and invest in the best talent who will be our advisers of the future.

Apply at bdo.co.uk/en-gb/careers.

A night-shift SOS

MORE than seven million British people are now working regular late shifts.

So retail chain Co-Op has launched a manifesto calling on retailers and policy-makers to protect the health and wellbeing of night staff.

More than seven million British people are now working regular late shifts

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More than seven million British people are now working regular late shiftsCredit: Getty Images – Getty

It says these workers are at greater risk of developing illnesses including heart disease, depression and diabetes, all of which can be caused by chronic sleep disruption.

Andy Perry, Co-op’s supply chain and logistics director, said: “We hope our manifesto forms the basis of a movement which will radically improve the lives of many people who are working in the UK night after night, year after year.”

For more details about working nights safely, see bit.ly/2KHSWt0.

Disabled supermarket worker, 27, who ‘was dedicated to helping elderly shoppers’ dies of coronavirus

GOT a story? RING The Sun on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or EMAIL [email protected]

This post first appeared on thesun.co.uk

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