The Government is increasing the number of specialist advisers dedicated to helping disabled jobseekers secure and stay in work, with an additional 315 Disability Employment Advisor (DEA) roles in Jobcentres by May 2021, bringing total numbers to 1,115 once the process is complete.
DEAs cover every Jobcentre in the country and work alongside Work Coaches, specialising in finding the right support to help clients who have a disability or health condition find work.
The Government has committed to seeing a million more disabled people in work by 2027, and this recruitment drive builds on the 13,500 new Work Coaches recruited over the past nine months to support Britain’s recovery effort.
The announcement also comes as the number of Disability Confident employers in Britain reaches a record-breaking 20,000 this week, as more businesses join the likes of Microsoft, Sainsbury’s and Network Rail, who already lead the way as inclusive employers.
People with disabilities are also already seeing progress through the Government’s Plan for Jobs underpinned by the Access to Work scheme. The scheme, now available to those who work from home, includes grants worth up to £62,900 and can cover the cost of the workplace adjustments that disabled people need to do their jobs, including sign language interpreters, as well as services such as mental health support.
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