AstraZeneca demonstrate a firm commitment to disability equality

1st May 2008

AstraZeneca have become the latest organisation to join the Employers' Forum on Disability (EFD) gold group.

One of the world's leading pharmaceutical companies, AstraZeneca has been a member of EFD since February 2005. As a gold member AstraZeneca will become a valued partner in EFD's mission to promote the economic and social inclusion of disabled people and demonstrate that organisations which are positive about disabled employees and staff gain business benefits.

The support from the gold group is vital for EFD in sustaining its reputation as an organisation that inspires and challenges employers, while helping business forge productive relationships with disabled individuals, opinion formers, government and the wider community.

AstraZeneca are now one of 50 organisations demonstrating their commitment to getting it right on disability.

David Brennan, chief executive of AstraZeneca said: "Astrazeneca areproud to be gold members of Employers' Forum on Disability and to helptake the lead in disability equality and best practice through means of innovation, practical means and development of procedures.

Realising the potential of disabled colleagues and service users, we atAstrazeneca maintain a culture in which our employees feel valued,energised and rewarded for their ideas and contribution to our successas a renowned pharmaceutical company both in the UK and throughout theworld."

Susan Scott-Parker, chief executive of EFD said: "AstraZeneca are a very welcome addition to EFD's gold group of members. By becoming anEFD gold member, AstraZeneca have shown that they take disability equality seriously at the highest level. Our gold members are vital in retaining our reputation as an organisation that inspires and challenges, and we are looking forward to having a sustained and productive relationship with AstraZeneca for many years to come."

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Notes to editors

Media enquiries, please contact:

Liz Nightingale, Communications Manager
Employers' Forum on Disability
Email: liz.nightingale@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 400 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