“Sometimes people say we don’t do much up here but what I’m bringing forward today is truly transformative”
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has said that the launch of a new Disability and Work strategy will create a “huge opportunity” for businesses and those living with disabilities who are looking for work.
The proposals will see an additional 50,000 people join the workforce over the next ten years and have been shaped and informed by those with lived experience of disability with input from over 100 partners across the disability and employment spheres.
Speaking to Belfast Live as he launched the strategy consultation, Minister Lyons encouraged people to respond to the consultation.
“I’m really passionate about this because we have hundreds of thousands of people across Northern Ireland who aren’t in work. Many of those are disabled and they feel that they can’t work.
“They feel that it’s not open to them because of their disability, and I think that’s wrong because I think that we can help them to break down those barriers and overcome those challenges and get them into work.
“The strategy aims to get 50,000 more people into work over the next 10 years, and that’s really ambitious. If you think about it, it’s actually the combined workforce of the Northern Ireland Civil Service and the Belfast Health Trust. So it is really ambitious and that can be life-changing. Sometimes people say we don’t do much up here but what I’m bringing forward today is truly transformative and I want to see that implemented because I want to see that positive change in people’s lives.”
The Strategy proposes the establishment of a Disability and Work Council and includes four main themes which cover personalised employment support; skills, careers and educational transitions; support for employers; and enhanced engagement and reporting.
Minister Lyons acknowledged there has been a reluctance from some businesses and sectors to hire people with a disability due to the potential to be required to make reasonable adjustments or to make their workplace accessible.
“That’s exactly why we’re bringing forward this strategy, and it includes addressing issues just like that,” he said.
“Sometimes employers do feel fear. They wonder what will it mean for me, what will it mean for my workforce and that’s why we need a culture change in Northern Ireland to say this isn’t something difficult that you’re taking on, what you’re actually going to be doing is opening up huge opportunity and a huge talent pool for people who can come and work in your organisation.
“This is an incredible opportunity that we should grab with both hands.”
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