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2 November

Central government shows commitment to disability equality – report

Central government is showing a growing commitment to disability equality, according to a new report published by Employers' Forum on Disability (EFD).

The results of the Disability Standard 2007 Benchmark Survey shows central government departments to be setting goals to enable disabled people to reach their full potential in employment.

Results also show that central government has established resources and a management structure to motivate change across the organisation.

Key findings from the Disability Standard include:

On average, 73% of central government participants in the survey ensure disability equality in recruitment and selection.
On average, 73% also ensure disability equality in work, workplace design and employee support.

Stephen Duckworth, EFD associate said: “This is clear evidence of a committed leadership and the impact of Disability Equality Schemes, but more needs to be done in middle management grades if we are to see continued improvements.”

Susan Scott-Parker, chief executive of EFD says: “We want all businesses and organisations to understand the need to adopt disability as a business issue.

“Becoming disability confident will benefit central government departments as well as the disabled people they serve and employ.”

The Benchmark Survey is sponsored by Motability Operations.

Ends

The results of the Employers' Forum Disability Standard 2007 will be released in full at the 'Benchmark for action' conference and reception, hosted by HM Treasury, London, on 2 November.

For interviews, case studies or a copy of the full Employers' Forum Disability Standard report please contact:

Issy Rule
PR & Communications Coordinator
Employers' Forum on Disability press office
Email: issy.rule@employers-forum.co.uk
Telephone: 020 7403 3020

About Employers' Forum on Disability

Employers' Forum on Disability is the employers' organisation focused on disability as it affects employers and service providers.

With over 400 members, EFD represents organisations that employ around 25 per cent of the UK workforce.

Since its establishment in 1991, EFD has worked closely with government and other stakeholders, sharing best practice to make it easier to employ disabled people and serve disabled customers.

www.employers-forum.co.uk

About the Disability Standard

The Disability Standard is the only management tool that enables organisations to accurately measure their performance on disability, in every way it affects the business, and to put in place action plans that deliver real business improvement.

116 organisations took part in the Disability Standard 2007, between them employing around two million people in the UK.

Nineteen central government organisations took part in the survey.

www.disabilitystandard.co.uk