Do you think that disabled people should be allowed to work?

Question

Do you think that employers who refuse to employ disabled people because they are disabled should be punished?

Do you think it is disgusting that they use stupid excuses such as 'we didn't get your application form' even though it was sent registered post. Do you think they should stop using stupid questions at the interview, such as 'why should we employ someone of your kind?'.

If you agree with this, would you consider signing my petition pointed to by the link below.

Thanks

http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/jobs-disability/

Answer 1

Depends on what the disability is as they're not restricted to wheelchairs. I was a retail manager for 15 years and never received one application form from a disabled person.

If the person can perform the role, they should be scored and interviewed in the same way. If they're successful but it would cost too much money to adapt the work place then they could decline on employing that person. I believe that's in the DDA.

This problem will continually happen because unfortunately employers may feel a disabled person as a burden when trying to make a profit in such a red tape environment is getting harder and harder. So it will be a continued battle.

Just a sideline, towards the end of my retail career (i'm only 38) I tried to employee staff that were in their 50's and they're in the same boat. People don't want to know.

Added: It can also be annoying when you get to the bank and someone displaying a disabled sticker pulls up on double yellows and sprints into the bank. Doesn't support their case at all.

Answer 2

Any interviewer that uses the phrase "of your kind" is leaving themselves wide open to a discrimination claim and if they do say that then i say go ahea and kick up some dust or ask at that point what exactly they mean by "your kind" because at the end of the day if they are saying that then you havent got the job anyway so what is there to lose by being direct????

i have had alot of interviews during my working life and i always get asked the question "why should we employ you" - this is a chance to blow your own trumpet and not a chance to see it as a slurr - my answer to that question is that as a single parent i am the breadwinner in my household and have bills to pay and need a job so am committed and reliable - dont get me wrong i have had the same "we didnt get your application on time" excuse a few times - im convinced that being a single parent is the reason so many of my applications are "late"

no matter what anyone says interviewers DO discriminate they are just very careful how they phrase things these days so they cannot be accused of discrimination and they also know before you sit down at the interview if you have the job or not

Answer 3

It depends on the job and the disability. If the person can physically do the job with a little extra planning or equipment then they should have the opportunity to get that job and a fair interview.
I think employing someone unsuitable just because they are disabled is as bad as not employing someone because they are disabled. I doubt a blind man without any qualifications would be as good an accountant as someone who was not blind and holds a masters degree in accountancy. But if the blind man had the degree and the other applicant did not then the blind man should get the accountant job. Discrimination is bad whether it be negative or positive discrimination.
I know I would be very outraged if I did not get a job I could easily do just because I am dyslexic and I am sure people with other disabilities would agree.

Answer 4

Of course-everybody is entitled to work, disabled or not.Although some employers could be put off by people like a disabled 'friend' of ours who uses legislation to his advantage ie; he takes time off whenever he feels like,phones in work and says it's because of his disability when really he's got a hangover or wants a long weekend etc.. and then says there's not a damn thing they can do about it as they can't sack him because of his disability,because the Union would be all over them.People like that spoil the system.
P.S-we have signed your petition.

Answer 5

Although I would be glad to sign this are you aware that the employer is under legal obligation to employ disabled people, but obviously is the job involves work that is not suited to someone who cannot accomplish the work then he or she should look elsewhere.

Answer 6

It is against the law in the United States not to hire someone just because they are disabled. We have the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 to protect us from that. They should pass something similar to that in the UK.

Answer 7

Speaking as a disabled person, I get absolutely sickened when an employer refuses to hire me because I need something as simple as a stool or an extra break or 2. By U.S. law they are "required" to still hire the physically or mentally challenged but they find ways around that law. I would sign your petition but being that I live in the States, my signature would be of little help to you.

Answer 8

Employers who do not employ disabled people are a disgrace to the human race. A disability does not affect someones ability to work. Who do they think they are.

Answer 9

you know, i was in the middle of signing your petition when i read that i have to be a UK citizen and/or resident to sign, (just another reason why i would like to live in the UK) but just to let you know i DO totally agree with you. its outrageous to not let disabled people work.
p.s. jus a small tip, you shoul probably add on your question that its for uk residents only so that nobody does the same mistake i did. good luck on your petition! 0;-)

Answer 10

disabled people cost money to employ but yes I agree that they should be given the same chance as everyone else. luckily it is now the law that allnew business premises and even new housing developments are accesible to wheelchair users and that can only be a good thing. my dad used to have a golf course and the clubhouse had to be wheelchair accessible even though there were no wheelchair bound golfers! but they could of course become social members hence the accessibility law.