EFD launches worldwide associates group on International Day of Disabled Persons

3rd December 2007

Employers' Forum on Disability (EFD) is celebrating International Day of Disabled Persons 2007 by launching the EFD worldwide associates group.

The theme for the day, on 3 December, is 'Decent work for persons with disabilities.'

The group comprises eight disabled people who are experts in their field. They will lend their expertise to EFD as allies and advisors.

EFD chief executive Susan Scott-Parker said: "We are extremely pleased that the worldwide associates have joined our UK-based associates as honorary members of EFD.

"We look forward to working with them and gaining mutual support and advice on how to spread disability confidence across the globe."

On the same day, EFD president, John Varley, chief executive of Barclays Group was asked by Employers' Update magazine to give his thoughts on the International Day.

Mr Varley said: "We should use any means possible to make clear the obligation on us as citizens and employers to help people with disabilities - whether they work in organisations such as Barclays or as our customers.

"Having a day that is dedicated to disability will have a meaningful impact on the visibility of what we do as businesses, so it's greatly to be applauded. The theme, as part of a campaign of awareness with worldwide recognition, is very important."

For the full interview with John Varley, see the next issue of EFD's Employers' Update magazine, due out in January.

Ends

Notes to editors

EFD worldwide associates

• Graeme Innes - Australia
• Yves Veulliet - Belgium
• Sylvana Lakis - Lebanon
• Steve Gianni - Australia
• Caroline Casey - Republic of Ireland
• Guy Davis - South Africa
• Professor Paul Miller - United States
• John Kemp - United States

Media enquiries, please contact:

Brenda Otema, Communications & Marketing Officer
Employers' Forum on Disability
Email: brenda.otema@efd.org.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 300 members, EFD represents organisations that employ around 20 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.efd.org.uk