THE Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Mel Stride, has called on Welsh businesses to sign up to the Disability Confident scheme and help more disabled people into work to grow the economy.

Mr Stride made the call at a DWP Disability Confident jobs fair in Holyhead Town Hall today (February 9).

It follows the launch of the Government’s Disability Action Plan this week, which includes 32 steps to make the UK the most accessible country in the world for disabled people to live and work.

More than 1,200 Welsh businesses and organisations have already signed up to the department’s Disability Confident Scheme.

To gain Disability Confident status, businesses commit to recruit and retain more disabled workers including making reasonable adjustments and flexible working to ensure recruitment and their work environment is inclusive and accessible.

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Mr Stride said: “There are 100,000 more disabled people in work in Wales than 10 years ago.

“This is a fantastic milestone, but there are many more who want to work but can’t due to the barriers they face.

“We are investing billions to help disabled people find and stay in work that’s suited to their needs.

“But we need businesses across Wales to work with us to break down the employment barriers and boost opportunities for these people.

“That’s why I’m encouraging employers to sign up to the Disability Confident scheme so they can tap into the talent the disabled community has to offer and grow the Welsh economy.”

Llangefni-based Llechwedd Meats – a Disability Confident employer - was one of about 20 businesses and organisations who attended the Holyhead jobs fair, engaging with disabled jobseekers and in some cases carrying out on-the-spot interviews.

Myfanwy Roberts, technical manager at Llechwedd Meats, said: “Over the past two years, we have forged a close partnership with the Jobcentre, engaging in meaningful efforts to not only interview individuals with disabilities but also to onboard them as valued members of our team.

“These individuals continue to contribute significantly to our success.

“Currently, we have an exciting opportunity to join our team. We are seeking to fill a position in our shop, catering and factory team.”

As of January, about 456,000 people in Wales were economically inactive, including disabled people and people with long-term health conditions.

To support more of these people back into the Welsh workforce and grow the economy, Wales is benefitting from a key part of the UK Government’s £2.5 billion Back to Work Plan over the next five years – Universal Support.

Selected participants for Universal Support will access up to 12 months of personalised “place and train” support with a dedicated keyworker who will help them find and keep a job.

Up to £4,000 of funding is available for each participant with training, help to manage health conditions or assistance for employers to make necessary accommodations to the person’s needs.