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Small businesses failing disabled graduates

Published: Wednesday, 09 December 2009   Category: Diversity Jobs

Disabled university alumni hoping to find a graduate job at a small or medium enterprise (SME) may not be getting the help they need because employers are not concerned enough.

Research by ComRes and Remploy revealed that one in five SMEs currently has a disabled employee, although 65 per cent said they would not take on a candidate with learning problems and 68 per cent would stay away from those with mental health issues.

According to HR magazine, the report also found that only eight per cent of small firms are interested in finding out how to go about finding talent from the disabled community, such as recent graduates.

Tim Matthews, chief executive of Remploy, told the news provider: "This research shows employers believe employing people with disabilities has a positive impact on staff morale and is good for business reputation… It is clear that many more businesses need support."

The Trades Union Congress recently said that the current economic climate may have a negative effect on disabled workers due to employers' financial restraints.