More than 50 Northampton employers show why they are far from reluctant to hire disabled people

The Disability Confident event, backed by Penny Mordaunt, the minister for disabled people, health and work, brought together local employers, disability experts and Government officials to highlight the benefits of employing people with disabilities in the county.

Evidence from the Department of Work Place and Pensions says that over seven million people, which is 17.5 percent of people who are working age in the UK have a health condition or have a disability.

Mike Duxbury, executive director at Learn To Be and practice manager at My Clinique has a visual impairment.

Speaking at the event he said: “There are many people out there who do want a positive life and feel like they’re contributing to society. The obstacles people with disabilities come up against in 2016 are reproachable.

“We’ve got to all come together, show strength, show unity and show dignity to people who really matter.”

The Disability Confident event focuses on demonstrating to employers that there are many disabled people who are willing and able to work, and want the opportunity to do so.

Michael Ellis MP said: “I decided to support this event because I’m so focused on the fact this will help everyone.

“Some employers seem reluctant to employ disabled people and I am hoping at this event to dispel certain myths that exist about disability in employment.

“It is also true that there are many people with disabilities who do not know of the great opportunities open to them. Many employers happily make accommodation for disabled people and have lots of positions that are available to those with disabilities.”

“I am very happy to sponsor and support this event alongside Northampton Borough council, Guidant Group, and Disability Confident – and I hope that it will help many disabled people get into work.”