It’s Learning Disability Week! The aim of the week is to challenge misconceptions, create an open dialogue about the issues people with a learning disability face, as well as promote and provide access to support and equitable treatment. The event is led by charities, including Mencap and the NSPCC.
One of the focuses of this week is about employing people with a learning disability.
Many people with a learning disability are fit to work, can do a job well, and can be just as productive at work as anyone else. They can also be loyal and dedicated employees. Employing people with a disability promotes diversity in the workplace and can help a company to maintain a positive reputation. Research suggests that a positive public reaction to a company employing people with a disability can help to improve profits.
While people with a learning disability may need additional supervision and training, they can also be reliable and dedicated workers who help to improve staff morale, and reduce staff turnover.
There is a legal requirement for employers to make reasonable adjustments to the workplace when employing somebody with a disability. But reasonable adjustments do not always cost money – for example, when they are provided by external supported employment services. It is important to weigh up the economic benefits and positive impact on your workplace against these costs, which include long-term savings, employee loyalty and improved staff morale.
If you are an employer interested in working with people with a learning disability, we recommend you reach out to MenCap’s Employment Team. Or if you’d like to discuss how you can make a reasonable adjustment for a new employee, please contact the team.